CSN August 2026

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5/21/26

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AUGUST 2026 CSNEWS.COM

W H AT ’ S N E X T I N C O N V E N I E N C E A N D F U E L R E TA I L I N G

W H AT ’ S N E X T I N C O N V E N I E N C E A N D F U E L R E TA I L I N G

THE POWER OF

PROGRESS THIS YEAR’S RECORD TOP WOMEN IN CONVENIENCE CLASS SHOWCASES THE INDUSTRY’S STRIDES

A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 C S N E W S .C O M

A GUIDE TO THE BACKBAR

Join store owners across the country who are fighting for fair tobacco policies.

Get Involved at TobaccoIssues.com

©2026

EDITOR’S NOTE

From Glass Ceiling to Ground Floor Let today’s progress serve as the foundation for women to reach even greater heights FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, I

have had a ringside seat to the exciting transformation of the U.S. convenience store industry. One of the most meaningful changes I’ve witnessed is the growing presence and prominence of women in the channel. Companies with a woman on their executive team used to be rare. Now, it’s a rarity to not find a woman somewhere in the C-suite.

This continuing evolution has made its mark on our annual Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) awards program as well, which began in 2014 with 30 honorees. Two years ago, we recognized the largest class in the competition’s history (107 winners) — our first time hitting triple digits.

This year, I’m thrilled to report that the record has been shattered once again!

Our 2026 class of Top Women in Convenience, featured across the pages of this issue, comprises 115 established and emerging female leaders who are making a name for themselves in the industry. Not only is this the largest TWIC class ever, and their accomplishments among the most impressive we’ve seen to date, but also most striking to me is how so many of this year’s honorees are lauded for their impact on others — coaching, mentoring, championing, etc.

She’s “a trusted advisor and teacher.” She “is passionate

about mentoring others and creating opportunities for growth across her team.” She “plays an active role in developing future leaders.”

She “has a real gift for seeing potential in people, sometimes before they see it in themselves.” These are just a few of the words spoken about this year’s winners.

Emblazoned on the cover of this issue is “The Power of Progress,” the theme for our 2026 Top Women in Convenience program. This year’s record TWIC class is both proof of the progress that has already been made in the industry and proof of the progress that is poised to come as more women rise up the ranks and intentionally bring others along with them.

Over the years, companies and individuals throughout the convenience store industry have done their part to break the glass ceiling, giving women growth opportunities and allowing them to thrive. I’m hopeful that for the next generation, the current ceiling becomes a floor, enabling women in the convenience channel to climb higher than they ever have before.

For comments, please contact Linda Lisanti, Editor-in-Chief, at llisanti@ensembleiq.com.

EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS (2016-2026)

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Laura Aufleger OnCue Express

2021 Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award Finalist, Best Infographics, June 2021

2018 Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Award

Finalist, Best Editorial Use of Data, June 2017

2023 American Society of Business Press Editors, National Azbee Awards Silver, Data Journalism, January/April/June 2022

2023 American Society of Business Press Editors, Upper Midwest Regional Azbee Awards Gold, Data Journalism, January/April/June 2022 Bronze, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, March 2022

2016 American Society of Business Press Editors, National Azbee Awards Gold, Best How-To Article, March 2015 Bronze, Best Original Research, June 2015

2016 American Society of Business Press Editors, Midwest Regional Azbee Awards Gold, Best How-To Article, March 2015 Silver, Best Original Research, June 2015

2020 Trade Association Business Publications Intl. Tabbie Awards

Honorable Mention, Best Single Issue, September 2019

2016 Trade Association Business Publications Intl. Tabbie Awards Silver, Front Cover Illustration, June 2015

2025 Eddie Award Honorable Mention, Folio:

Business to Business, Retail, Full Issue, September 2024 Business to Business, Magazine Section

2024 Eddie Award, Folio:

Winner, Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, May 2024 Honorable Mention, Business to Business, Magazine Section

2023 Eddie Award Honorable Mention, Folio:

Business to Business, Retail, Full Issue, September 2022 Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, March 2023

2022 Eddie Award, Folio:

Winner, Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, March 2022 Winner, Business to Business, Food & Beverage, Series of Articles, October 2021 Honorable Mention, Business to Business, Retail, Single Article, September 2021

2020 Eddie Award, Folio:

Business to Business, Retail, Series of Articles, September 2019

Faheem Jamal CPD Energy Corp./ Chestnut Markets

Richard Cashion Curby’s Express Market

Vito Maurici McLane Co. Inc.

Billy Colemire Majors Management

Jonathan Polonsky Plaid Pantries Inc.

Robert Falciani ExtraMile Convenience Stores

Greg Scriver Kwik Trip Inc.

Jim Hachtel Core-Mark

Roy Strasburger StrasGlobal

Chris Hartman Rutter’s

2018 Eddie Award Honorable Mention, Folio:

Business to Business, Retail, Website Business to Business, Retail, Full Issue, October 2017 Business to Business, Editorial Use of Data, June 2017

2017 Eddie Award, Folio:

Winner, Business to Business, Retail, Single/Series of Articles, May 2017 Honorable Mention, Business to Business, Retail, Single/Series of Articles, June 2016

AUGUST

2026

Convenience Store News

3

VIEWPOINT

LTOs = Long-Term Opportunity

When executed strategically, limited-time offers can generate immediate excitement while creating lasting benefits for a convenience retailer’s foodservice business CONVENIENCE RETAILERS are always searching for the secret sauce that keeps customers

coming back for their foodservice offerings. While there is no single answer, one tactic consistently came up in conversations I had with foodservice executives at this year’s Convenience Foodservice Exchange (CFX) in San Antonio: the strategic use of limited-time offers, better known as LTOs. Done right, LTOs create urgency, generate excitement, encourage trial, and give customers a reason to make an extra trip. Done poorly, they become operational headaches that add complexity without delivering meaningful sales lift. Fortunately, many convenience retailers are getting it right.

The best LTOs use a store’s existing ingredients combined in new ways.

This summer alone, we’ve seen a wave of innovative LTOs that demonstrate just how sophisticated convenience foodservice has become: • Rutter’s rolled out a lineup of bold chicken sandwiches and wraps featuring Nashville Hot flavors, pepper jack cheese, pepperoni and hot honey.

• Love’s introduced a Swicy Pork BBQ Sandwich, tapping into one of the hottest flavor trends in foodservice today — the growing consumer fascination with sweet-and-spicy combinations.

• Sheetz took a different approach, leveraging social media culture with its oversized The Big Glizzy hot dog backed by Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

• Kwik Trip partnered with Mountain Dew to launch a citrus-flavored doughnut that combines the equity of the two well-known brands.

• Casey’s brought back its highly requested Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza, while introducing a new Crispy Fries platform.

• Wawa and 7-Eleven tied seasonal promotions and patriotic themes to limited-time beverages, meal deals and menu offerings designed to capture summer traffic.

What strikes me about these programs is that they are not simply random menu experiments. The best LTOs accomplish several objectives simultaneously. They create buzz. They generate social media engagement. They encourage customers to visit more frequently. They allow retailers to test emerging flavors and concepts before committing to permanent menu additions. And perhaps most importantly, they allow foodservice operators to offer customers something new and different.

At CFX, several retailers noted that consumers today are constantly seeking novelty. They want familiar products, but they also want discovery. LTOs satisfy both needs. A customer who already visits for coffee or fuel may decide to add a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, a Mountain Dew Dunker or a Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza simply because it won’t be around forever.

The key, however, is discipline. Successful LTOs are rooted in consumer trends, operational practicality, and clear business objectives. The best LTOs use a store’s existing ingredients combined in new ways. They drive incremental traffic and profit, not clutter the menu.

As competition for foodservice dollars intensifies, convenience retailers looking to grow sales would be wise to view LTOs not as occasional promotions, but as strategic business tools. The smartest operators already do. And judging by the creativity on display this summer, they’re giving customers plenty of reasons to come back for more.

For comments, please contact Don Longo, Editorial Director Emeritus, at dlongo@ensembleiq.com.

4 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

CONTENTS AUG 26

VO LU M E 6 2 N UMB ER 8

COVER STORY 20 The Power of Progress

This year’s record Top Women in Convenience class showcases the industry’s strides.

COVER STORY - PAGE 20

DEPARTMENTS

EDITO R’ S N OT E

3 From Glass Ceiling to

Ground Floor

Let today’s progress serve as the foundation for women to reach even greater heights.

VIEWP O IN T

4 LTOs = Long-Term

Opportunity

When executed strategically, limited-time offers can generate immediate excitement while creating lasting benefits for a convenience retailer’s foodservice business.

10 CSNews Online 18 New Products STO RE SP OT LIGHT

106 A Roadside Stop

Dolly Style

18 GUIDE TO THE BACKBAR 76 Striking the Right Backbar Balance 82 Looking Back, Moving Forward

106 6 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Driven to Innovate: Building Better Solutions Through Customer-Centric Product Development From Rolling Chill and Strong to the new gondola platform, Jess Norris and Luigi Utili explain how ImageWorks turns client feedback, market insight, and 30 years of experience into solutions designed for what's next.

Q: When ImageWorks talks about product

market? Those questions help determine whether an

development, what does that really mean?

idea has staying power.

A: (Jess Norris, Product Manager) For us, product

Q: Rolling Chill, Strong, and the new gondola system

development starts with the client. It’s about

are very different products. What do they say

understanding what they need, where the market is

collectively about the vision for ImageWorks?

moving, and how we can create solutions that help

A: (Jess) They show our commitment to becoming a

them grow. That means keeping the voice of the client

more complete store solutions partner. From the

front and center, then working across our internal

backbar to the beer cave to center store, we’re

teams and vendor partners to bring the right ideas

building product lines that help customers outfit more

to life.

of their space with one trusted supplier.

A: (Luigi Utili, VP of Operations) We’re not a

A: (Luigi) They also reflect how much the c-store

cookie-cutter company. Every client operates

environment has changed. Beverage, beer caves,

differently. Their stores have different layouts, goals,

single serves, packaged products, and center store

and challenges. Our job is to walk with them, develop

merchandising have all evolved. Our products have to

with them, and deliver solutions that meet their needs

evolve with them. Strong gives beer caves a clean,

while still being scalable, high quality, and built to

open, durable shelving solution. Rolling Chill gives

perform.

customers flexibility in tight spaces. Gondola gives

Q: Innovation is a major part of the ImageWorks

them a platform that can adapt to many product

story, especially during your 30th anniversary year.

types and merchandising needs.

How does that show up in product development?

Q: What excites you most about where product

A: (Jess) Innovation isn’t always about creating

development is headed?

something completely new. Sometimes it’s about

A: (Jess) Product management gives us a stronger

making a product better, more flexible, or more

bridge between client needs, market trends, and what

relevant to what’s happening in the store. We listen

ImageWorks can bring to life. It helps us make more

closely to client feedback, market trends, and direct

strategic decisions about where we go next.

requests, then use that insight to improve.

A: (Luigi) We’re not just making products. We’re

A: (Luigi) It also shows up beyond the product itself.

building solutions with clients, using 30 years of

We’re building services around the product, including

experience to help make stores easier to shop, easier

surveys, store planning, installation, merchandising,

to operate, and better prepared.

and tagging. That gives clients a more complete solution, from understanding what they need to getting it installed and working in the store.

Q: How do you know when a client request becomes a bigger market opportunity?

Reserve your complimentary Client Collaboration Center session today.

1-800-704-3660 imageworksdisplay.com

A: (Jess) We look at whether it solves a broader market need. Is this something one client needs, or are many clients likely facing the same challenge? Can we produce it at the right cost? Can it grow with the ADVERTORIAL

CONTENTS AUG 26 INDUSTRY ROUNDUP 12 7-Eleven’s Parent

Company Reports Progress on North American Initiatives

VO LU M E 6 2 N UMB ER 8

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8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 225, Chicago, IL 60631 (773) 992-4450 Fax (773) 992-4455 WWW.CSNEWS.COM BRAND MANAGEMENT SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER, CONVENIENCE NORTH AMERICA Sandra Parente sparente@ensembleiq.com

14 Casey’s Unveils a New

Three-Year Strategic Plan

VICE PRESIDENT OF CONTENT & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, CONVENIENCE GROUP Michelle Warren mwarren@ensembleiq.com

15 Visionary C-store Leader

EDITORIAL

Dick Wood Passes Away

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linda Lisanti llisanti@ensembleiq.com

16 Eye on Growth

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Melissa Kress mkress@ensembleiq.com

16 Retailer Tidbits

MANAGING EDITOR Danielle Romano dromano@ensembleiq.com SENIOR EDITOR Angela Hanson ahanson@ensembleiq.com

17 Supplier Tidbits FEATURES

M I DY E AR R EP OR T C AR D

83 A Bumpy Ride

With few exceptions, the first half of 2026 brought challenges across most product categories.

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EDITORIAL DIRECTOR EMERITUS Don Longo dlongo@ensembleiq.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Renée M. Covino, Tammy Mastroberte ADVERTISING SALES & BUSINESS ASSOCIATE BRAND DIRECTOR Rachel McGaffigan - (774) 212-6455 rmcgaffigan@ensembleiq.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Taylor Lewis - (615) 364-6582 - tlewis@ensembleiq.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Terry Kanganis - (917) 634-7471 - tkanganis@ensembleiq.com

NAC S S H OW P R EV I EW

87 Delivering ROI: Return

DESIGN/PRODUCTION/MARKETING

on Insight

ART DIRECTOR Cristian Bejarano Rojas crojas@ensembleiq.com

The 2026 NACS Show will focus on providing meaningful takeaways to every attendee.

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Pat Wisser pwisser@ensembleiq.com MARKETING MANAGER Jakob Wodnicki jwodnicki@ensembleiq.com

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SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES LIST RENTAL mbriganti@anteriad.com SUBSCRIPTION QUESTIONS contact@csnews.com

CORPORATE OFFICERS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jennifer Litterick

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jane Volland

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Ann Jadown

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Derek Estey

CONVENIENCE STORE NEWS AFFILIATIONS Premier Trade Press Exhibitor

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations.

Convenience Store News (ISSN 0194-8733; USPS 515-950) is published 11 times per year, monthly, by EnsembleIQ, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste. 200, Chicago, IL 60631. Subscription rates: Subscription rate in the United States: $148 one year; $273 two year; $18.40 single issue copy; Canada and Mexico: $202 one year; $386 two year; $22.00 single issue copy; Foreign: $202 one year; $386 two year; $22.00 single issue copy; Digital One year, digital $87; two year, $160. Periodical postage paid at Chicago, IL 60631, and additional mailing addresses. Copyright 2026

by EnsembleIQ. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Convenience Store News, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste. 200, Chicago, IL 60631.

8 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

CSNEWS ONLINE

TOP VIEWED STORIES

1

Cumberland Farms Owner Files for U.S. IPO

The retailer filed confidential plans with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a market listing that could value the company at more than $9 billion. The IPO could raise approximately $1 billion from investors, according to reports.

Wawa Hoagiefest Returns for Summer 2026

convenience store chain included a meal deal for the 2 The first time. Options included a Shorti hoagie combo, fea-

turing a small bag of limited-time, Hoagiefest-branded Herr’s chips and a fountain drink for $6, or a Classic hoagie combo for $8.

Pilot Invests in Travel Centers &

3 Foodservice Ahead of Summer Rush

The company opened two new travel centers and completed 18 curb-to-counter upgrades in preparation for the peak summer travel season. Pilot also debuted the nationwide launch of fresh, hand-breaded buttermilk chicken tenders and a new Pilot eats signature sauce.

VIDEO

Highlights of the 2026 Convenience Foodservice Exchange Convenience Store News recently presented its 11th annual Convenience Foodservice Exchange (CFX) event.

Centered on the theme, “Profitability Through Innovation,” the two-day program examined how retailers can maintain margins, increase traffic and enhance their culinary offerings. CFX 2026 also featured a food tour in San Antonio’s historic Pearl District; a field trip to two outstanding examples of convenience foodservice excellence: Texas Born Stores and Buc-ee’s; and the presentation of the 2026 Foodservice Innovators Awards.

7-Eleven Introduces New Lineup

4 of Hot Sandwiches

The menu — available at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes stores across the country — includes fresh takes on familiar flavors for lunch, dinner and beyond. Options include fiery chicken, chargrilled Angus beef, and melty cheesesteak classics.

ExtraMile & Core-Mark Launch Expanded

5 Partnership

The expansion adds 1,034 ExtraMile locations to the distributor’s network. Core-Mark, which previously serviced approximately 110 ExtraMile locations, will supply both convenience store and foodservice products through a single supply chain.

CSN EXCLUSIVE

Loop Neighborhood Markets Turns to AI to Enhance Employee Effectiveness The California-based retailer’s focus isn’t on what roles AI can replace; it’s on how it can assist employees in performing their roles at a higher level and position the brand for consistent, high-quality performance.

Loop partnered with AI-native platform Tote to deploy Genie, a store associate AI agent, to assist with employee inquiries regarding customer service, point-of-sale operations, maintenance, payments and more. “It takes a lot of what we’re used to doing today and modernizes it,” Loop President and CEO Varish Goyal told Convenience Store News.

10 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

For more event coverage, visit the Awards & Events section of CSNews.com.

MOST VIEWED NEW PRODUCT

Modelo Chelada Suprema Modelo introduces its first high-ABV offering. Featuring a mix of Mexican beer and blended fruit flavors at 8% ABV, Modelo Chelada Suprema is brewed with the same quality and authenticity as all Modelo Cheladas, but now with a higher ABV. The new offering is available in 24-ounce cans in two blended fruit flavors: Mangonada, delivering vibrant flavors of mango and chamoy, and Suprema Tropical, delivering refreshing flavors of guava and pineapple. Modelo Chelada Suprema gives people the bolder, higher-proof option they’ve been asking for, without losing the authentic Mexican flavor they love, according to the brand.

Modelo USA Rochester, N.Y. modelousa.com

Registration Closes Soon Seating is Limited, don’t miss your chance

OCTOBER 7, 2026, LAS VEGAS, NV

The top tech executives in convenience are meeting this October. Final seats are available for qualified retail leaders.

Time is running out to claim your spot.

SCAN THE QR CODE NOW OR HEAD TO EVENTS.CSNEWS.COM/ TECHLEADERSHIP26

INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

7-Eleven’s Parent Company Reports Progress on North American Initiatives

The convenience retailer plans to open 205 new stores during its 2026 fiscal year

By Angela Hanson SEVEN & I HOLDINGS CO. LTD., the parent company of 7-Eleven

Inc., expressed growing optimism for the remainder of its 2026 fiscal year following a strong first quarter.

“Our first quarter results demonstrate continued progress in executing our strategy to transform 7-Eleven,” Seven & i President and CEO Stephen Hayes Dacus said during a July presentation where the company reported a $9 million increase in operating income for the first quarter, reflecting factors such as a 1.4% increase in same-store sales.

“In North America, we’re accelerating the North Star plan by strengthening our merchandise offering, modernizing and optimizing our store network, and enhancing customer experience to better meet our customers’ needs and strengthen our business for the long haul,” he said.

“We’re focused on executing our strategy, investing in the opportunities that create the greatest value for our customers, and building the capabilities that will support our long-term growth.”

Seven & i provided updates on its key initiatives for 7-Eleven in North America. Progress milestones for fiscal year 2026 thus far include: • 20 restaurants opened, with 50 planned • 60 new private label items launched, with 220 planned • 30 new stores opened, with 205 planned • 43 corporate-to-franchise store conversions, with 390 planned 12 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

• 72 wholesale fuel conversions, with 350 planned 7-Eleven has closed 45 unprofitable stores out of the 200 that are slated for closure during this fiscal year. On the remodeling front, it plans to begin the process of updating 200 stores during the second half of the fiscal year. The company is also making progress with its 7NOW delivery service, which has reached $274 million in sales out of its $1.08 billion goal.

“Our first-quarter performance has strengthened our financial flexibility and allows us to continue investing in our strategic priorities,” said Seven & i Chief Financial Officer Tetsuya Takagi. “We will continue to allocate capital with discipline, balancing investments that strengthen our long-term growth with a relentless focus on cost management and capital efficiency. This approach will improve [return on invested capital], strengthen our ability to generate cash and create sustainable long-term shareholder value.”

Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven Inc. currently operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 12,000 stores in the United States and Canada.

The company also operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations.

WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

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INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

Casey’s Unveils a New Three-Year Strategic Plan

The company is leaning into proven strategies as it emerges as a “convenience QSR”

By Melissa Kress CASEY’S GENERAL STORES INC. laid out a

One objective with the new wings offer is to create another occasion for guests to visit Casey’s stores just for the wings.

So far, the platform has drummed up a lot of interest and comped the initial test markets. And while the offer is a couple of years away from full potential, the goal is for wings to be as significant a contributor as Casey’s pizza business, according to Rebelez.

If those priorities look familiar, that’s by design, according to Darren Rebelez, president and CEO of Casey’s. Looking back to June 2023, Casey’s unveiled a three-year blueprint that called for the company to expand its foodservice offer, grow its network and enhance efficiencies.

Expanding Its Network

strategic plan for the next three years that’s centered on three key pillars: accelerating food and beverage, expanding its network via new-to-industry builds and targeted merger-and-acquisition (M&A) activity, and enhancing operational efficiency.

“It was probably the most successful three-year period in the company’s history,” Rebelez explained during a media briefing on June 25, the day after the chain debuted its newest strategic plan at its Investor Day in New York. “Across all fronts, we exceeded our expectations on all those metrics, so the plan is clearly working.

The fundamental tenets of the plan are the same because it has been so successful, and we still see a lot of runway for continued growth.”

Accelerating Foodservice

While the Ankeny, Iowa-based convenience store chain is known for its pizza platform, there is still room to grow its prepared foods business, the chief executive pointed out. Notably, after two years in development, Casey’s has rolled out a new wings platform to roughly one-third of its stores.

14 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Over the next three years, Casey’s plans to add at least 400 stores to its network through a mix of new-to-industry builds and small M&A deals, on par with its initial target during the previous three-year period — which it exceeded.

“If you looked at our previous three-year plan, we had originally committed to 350 stores and that translates to about 4% unit growth over that three-year period. In the new three-year plan, the 400 stores that we set as a target is about 4% unit growth over that time,” Rebelez said.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

As Casey’s looks to build upon its progress around operational efficiency, the company is investing in technology and data-driven tools to improve how team members prepare food, serve guests and run stores more efficiently.

These investments help improve forecasting, strengthen the guest experience and support profitable growth.

For example, Casey’s has implemented an AI-driven demand forecasting tool in its supply chain and demand planning processes. As result, the company increased fill rates to its stores and dropped working capital in its distribution centers by about 33%.

“We have our business strategy … and to the extent that AI can be an enabler to help us more effectively execute that strategy, then we’ll use AI to do that,” Rebelez said.

Visionary C-store Leader Dick Wood Passes Away The former chairman and CEO of Wawa served the company for more than 55 years RICHARD D. “DICK” WOOD JR., the longtime

leader credited with transforming Wawa Inc. into one of the nation’s most recognized convenience retailers, died July 10.

He was 88.

Wood served Wawa for more than 55 years, holding the roles of president, CEO and chairman while helping guide the retailer from a regional chain into a convenience industry powerhouse.

He began his career at Wawa in 1970 as the company’s first general counsel and carried on a family legacy that dated back to his great-grandfather, George, who opened the Wawa Dairy in 1902.

George’s grandson, Grahame, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 and later brought Dick into the family business.

Wood became president in 1977, CEO

SWEET PROFITS ARE ONE SWIRL AWAY Soft serve ice cream sells

3 TIMES

the rate of novelties.

in 1980, and chairman and CEO in 1982. He served as chairman and CEO until his retirement in 2004, after which he continued to be chairman of the board. In 2020, on his 50th anniversary with the company, he was named chairman emeritus.

During his tenure, Wood spearheaded many of the initiatives that defined Wawa’s growth, including transitioning the Pennsylvania-based retailer to a 24/7 operating model, entering the fuel business, and expanding into new states.

Wood also left a lasting mark on the convenience industry.

He served as chairman of NACS in 1985 and was inducted into the Convenience Store News Hall of Fame in 1996.

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6/17/26 10:56 AM

INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

Eye on Growth

Wawa Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its first Tennessee convenience store.

The retailer plans to open up to seven stores in the state initially, with an eye toward having more than 50 locations over the next decade.

OXXO opened two remodeled stores in El Paso, Texas — the latest step in the company’s integration of former DK Convenience locations. The remodels feature investments in store upgrades, foodservice, customer rewards and community engagement.

The Clarksville, Tenn., location marks Wawa’s 14th state of operation.

Retailer Tidbits

Perfect Food & Gas purchased Earnheart Oil Inc.’s c-store portfolio, while Fleet Fuels LLC acquired Earnheart’s wholesale fuels, lubricants and transportation assets. These deals marked Earnhart’s exit from the convenience retail and fuels businesses.

Buc-ee’s opened the doors at its longawaited travel center in Goodyear, Ariz.

Measuring 74,000 square feet, the travel center is Buc-ee’s first location in Arizona and the company’s westernmost store to date.

Yesway continued its strategic expansion across Oklahoma with the opening of a new-to-industry Allsup’s store in Wagoner. The site spans 6,277 square feet and features 10 multiproduct dispensers, five diesel lanes and 17 truck parking spaces.

Blarney Castle Oil & Propane picked up 20 Value Market convenience stores from Fleming Brothers Oil Co., which decided to exit the channel. The sale brings together two long-standing Michigan convenience and fuel businesses.

Tri Star Energy cut the ribbon on a new Twice Daily store featuring the White Bison Coffee concept in South Ozark, Ala. The celebration marked the brand’s arrival in the Ozark area, joining its 10 existing locations in Alabama.

Onvo launched its first private label packaged snack: a proprietary line of premium, kettle-cooked potato chips. The products are available at 42 travel plazas and convenience stores in northeastern Pennsylvania and upstate New York.

Weigel’s is searching for its first official brand ambassadors. The role includes creating social media content, interacting with customers, distributing giveaways, supporting promotional events and appearing in Weigel’s mascot costumes.

Bolla Oil Corp. partnered with PAR Technology to launch Bolla Rewards, a new loyalty program that offers customers instant in-store savings at Bolla Market stores.

Choctaw Travel Plazas enhanced its Chahta Rewards program. Members now earn 20 points for every $1 spent on in-store purchases and 10 points per gallon of fuel purchased.

The retailer also added fountain drink and coffee clubs to the program.

16 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Toot’n Totum Food Stores is upgrading its TNT Rewards mobile app. Powered by Liquid Barcodes, the initial rollout phase will focus on core app features before introducing expanded capabilities.

Majors Management LLC is partnering with ResultStack to deploy AI and machine learning across its network. The move is expected to streamline core operations, including pricing, inventory and labor planning.

EVERY

Supplier Tidbits Utz Brands Inc. is being acquired by Germany-based Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG in a transaction that will take the salty snack manufacturer private. The deal values Utz at approximately $2.9 billion.

GREAT SLICE NEEDS

SLICES

The Hershey Co. tapped Heather Hoytink to be the company’s new U.S. president, effective July 8. She brings more than 20 years of sales, operations and commercial leadership experience to the role.

McLane Engage, the annual trade show of McLane Co. Inc., will introduce a new Supplier Summit designed to strengthen collaboration through discussions focused on partnerships, operational excellence and technology.

Good Game by T-Pain, the 2-ounce nootropic energy shot line, is now available at 637 Murphy USA locations nationwide, with expansion planned to more than 800 stores.

Johnsonville® Ultimate Sausage Slices The expansion is being supported by partnerships with Core-Mark, McLane, H.T. Hackney, and Zuma & Sons.

Bold Flavor. Premium Quality.

Give your customers quality they can see and taste. And keep your menu execution fast and easy.

Diebold Nixdorf is partnering with Kitestring Technical Services to offer retailers a cohesive, end-to-end approach that combines advanced POS technology with expert professional services to support modernization and operational excellence.

Prime Cuts Beef Jerky was picked up by the fourth-largest national convenience store distributor, National Convenience Distributors. This milestone represents a major expansion for the Texas-born brand.

Wash Brands and Brink Results formed a strategic partnership to provide car wash operators with integrated marketing, training and operational consulting services. The goal is to bring a more modern, integrated approach to the industry.

Johnsonville® Ultimate Sausage Slices bring a bold lineup of flavors designed to expand menus and elevate protein builds across dayparts.

Find your slice at Johnsonvillefoodservice.com Johnsonville • Family owned since 1945 • Proudly made in the USA

©2026 Johnsonville, LLC

NEW PRODUCTS

Hot Pockets Snack Breaks

Flavors and textures from the snack aisle are hitting the freezer.

Hot Pockets Snack Breaks is a new line of bite-sized squares designed for all-day, everyday snacking. Featuring a warm, gooey center and a crisp, flaky crust, the line includes five varieties: Gooey Apple Pie, Ultimate Cheddar, Spicy Jalapeño Popper, Melty Nacho Beef, and Cheesy Stuffed Pretzel with Bacon. Each pack contains two perforated snack squares. The suggested retail prices for a single pack and a four-count pack are $1.79 and $5.49, respectively.

NESTLÉ USA • SOLON, OHIO • GOODNES.COM/HOT-POCKETS

Juicy Drop Gummy Mystery Cube

The latest innovation from the Juicy Drop brand is the Gummy Mystery Cube. Each candy cube peels open to reveal a hidden gummy animal inside (turtle, shark or hippo), so every piece is a surprise before it’s a snack, according to the company. The Gummy Mystery Cube is available in two varieties: Original and Wild Berry. Original features a strawberry outer-cube with surprise flavors of Blue Raspberry, Apple and Cherry inside. Wild Berry also features a strawberry outer-cube with surprise flavors of Raspberry, Blueberry and Strawberry inside.

BAZOOKA BRANDS • NEW YORK • JUICYDROPCANDY.COM

Tyson Pitmaster Chicken

Tyson Foods expands its poultry portfolio with Tyson Pitmaster Chicken, a line of naturally hardwood smoked, fully cooked chicken products. The offering includes thigh pieces and jumbo bone-in chicken wing sections, both available in All Natural, Naturally Smoked and Naturally Smoked Sweet Heat Dry Rub varieties. Tyson Pitmaster Chicken is naturally smoked using a hardwood blend, including hickory, rather than enhanced with smoke flavor. The line enables operators to bring authentic smoked flavor to their menus without adding time, labor or equipment.

TYSON FOODS INC. • SPRINGDALE, ARK. • TYSONFOODSERVICE.COM

Marco MilkPal

Marco Beverage Systems is bringing its MilkPal automated milk delivery system to the United States. Available now with NSF and UL certification, MilkPal delivers consistently textured hot milk, cold milk, hot foam and cold foam at the touch of a button. The system can store up to 25 programmable recipes, enabling operators to deliver a wide range of beverages with speed and precision. MilkPal features an intuitive touchscreen interface and automated cleaning functionality. During idle periods, it automatically returns unused milk to the refrigerated vessel and flushes the lines, preventing milk from sitting in the system.

MARCO BEVERAGE SYSTEMS • DUBLIN, IRELAND • MARCOBEVERAGESYSTEMS.COM/US/PRODUCTS/MILKPAL

E-Tronic 80 SoapBank

Chicago Faucets introduces the E-Tronic 80 SoapBank, a multifeed soap dispensing system, available for integration into both new construction and retrofit commercial washroom projects. Unlike individual cartridge-based dispensers that require frequent replacement and ongoing maintenance, the E-Tronic 80 system uses a centralized bulk soap reservoir capable of supplying multiple dispensers from a single refill point. This design reduces refill labor, improves soap availability during peak usage periods, and minimizes the plastic waste associated with disposable cartridges, the company noted.

CHICAGO FAUCETS • DES PLAINES, ILL. • CHICAGOFAUCETS.COM/PRODUCTS/COMMERCIAL-FAUCETS/TOUCHLESS

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CONGRATULATIONS

!

O GENERAL MANAGER OF OPERATIONS EXTRAMILE CONVENIENCE STORES LLC

Congratulations to Chiara, who everyday commits to serving our Franchisees and Operations Team to deliver an exceptional customer experience.

COVER STORY

20 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

THE POWER OF

PROGRESS THIS YEAR’S RECORD TOP WOMEN IN CONVENIENCE CLASS SHOWCASES THE INDUSTRY’S STRIDES A Convenience Store News Staff Report

ACHIEVING GENDER EQUALITY is not a

static milestone or a one-time HR initiative. It is an ongoing, compounding force capable of driving cultural evolution, producing higher levels of innovation, and ultimately delivering stronger bottom-line results for companies.

In recent years, the convenience store industry has made significant progress toward becoming a more diverse and inclusive environment. This year’s record-setting class of Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) serves as a testament to that progress and further underscores that having women in leadership roles helps to pull more women up through the ranks.

This year, Convenience Store News is celebrating 115 established and emerging female leaders as part of its 13th annual Top Women in Convenience program — an all-time high. From the store level to the C-suite, TWIC is the first and still only program that spotlights the integral role women play in convenience retailing and honors female leaders who are making outstanding contributions to their companies and the industry at large.

industry as a whole. These visionaries have steered their companies into new markets, new opportunities and strong measurable growth.

Senior-Level Leaders: Retailer, supplier and distributor executives at the level of C-suite, vice president or director who have transformed their business in a positive manner.

Rising Stars: Retailer, supplier and distributor professionals with job titles from store manager to below director who are making their mark on the industry, even at early stages of their careers.

Mentors: Retailer, supplier and distributor professionals of any rank who have made an extraordinary effort, and had an exceptional impact, on the careers of their colleagues.

From a record number of entries and after much deliberation, judges selected five Women of the Year, 43 Senior-Level Leaders, 53 Rising Stars and 14 Mentors from across the industry’s retailer, distributor and supplier communities to comprise the 2026 TWIC class.

TWIC honorees are recognized in four categories:

The winners were chosen based on nominations received from their companies and peers. Drawing from achievements during the previous 12 months, nominators were asked to illustrate the candidate's innovative corporate initiatives, extraordinary financial and strategic accomplishments, astute problem-solving acumen, exceptional performance, mentorship work and its outcome for mentees, and selfless charitable participation, along with any other attributes that go above and beyond the call of duty.

Women of the Year: Retailer, supplier and distributor executives of any rank who have had an exceptional impact on the success or direction of their company, as well as a positive impact on the convenience store

All of this year's honorees will be celebrated at a ceremony held during the 2026 NACS Show in Las Vegas.

The Top Women in Convenience Awards Dinner & Gala will take place the evening of Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino.

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COVER STORY

WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Stacey Goldsberry Vice President of Sales & Marketing

AMCON Distributing Co. been “fortunate to grow alongside the company and contribute during a period of meaningful evolution.”

In her role as vice president of sales and marketing, she balances long-term strategic growth with dayto-day operational realities, ensuring that marketing efforts translate into revenue and that sales execution aligns with company objectives.

Describing 2025 as “a year of intentional transformation,” Goldsberry prefers to shine a light on her team and the overall sales organization vs. her individual accomplishments. Standout initiatives include organizational modernization, leadership development and succession planning.

WITH NEARLY TWO DECADES of experi-

ence in the convenience channel, Stacey Goldsberry knows what it takes to be a good partner to convenience retailers.

She began her journey in the industry as a territory sales manager at Altria Group (formerly Philip Morris USA). During her tenure at the tobacco company, she progressed into roles with increasing leadership and account responsibility.

Over 13 years, she had the opportunity to lead teams, manage large retail partnerships and support wholesale distributors — including her current employer, AMCON Distributing Co. “That experience gave me a full view of how our channel operates, from manufacturer strategy to distributor execution to retailer profitability. It also instilled in me a deep respect for the people who keep this industry moving every day,” Goldsberry told CSNews.

In 2016, she made the move to AMCON. Over the past seven years, the company has expanded geographically and operationally, and now serves retail partners across 34 states through its wholesale network. According to Goldsberry, she has

22 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“Developing people is one of the most important responsibilities I have,” she pointed out. “Our industry’s longevity depends on creating strong leaders who can navigate change while honoring the relationships that built this business.”

Goldsberry and her team also play key roles in supporting AMCON’s strategic expansion and strengthening the company’s value-added services.

“My guiding principle has been simple: if we expect retailers to view us as a partner, we must continuously evolve our capabilities to support their profitability,” she said.

In addition to her role at AMCON, she serves as president of the Southern Leadership Division of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors; president of the Convenience Distributors of Oklahoma board of directors; board member of the Nebraska Petroleum & Convenience Association; and an Industry Affairs Committee (tobacco) member for the Convenience Distributors Association.

Goldsberry believes developing people is one of the most important responsibilities she has.

COVER STORY

WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Annie Hammons Senior Vice President of NAMER Consulting & Managed Services

PDI Technologies

vice president leading North America Consulting Services and Managed Services, Hammons has become known as a go-to subject matter expert in implementations. Her longevity at PDI is not simply tenure — it is 20 years of sustained growth, innovation and measurable impact on customers, employees and company strategy.

“I’ve known Annie since her days as a controller at a 25-store chain and even then, she was the strongest industry advocate in the room. Her combination of deep industry knowledge, honesty with customers and fairness with employees is rare,” said Jim Cornette, director of sales at PDI.

ANNIE HAMMONS’ career in the conven-

ience store industry stands out as a combination of operational expertise, financial acumen and transformative leadership that has shaped both PDI Technologies and the broader industry.

While she has called PDI home for the past 20 years, her road to the technology company began on the retail side at J. Wade Quinn Co., a convenience store chain in northeast Arkansas. During her 14-year tenure there as financial controller, she implemented RMS, PDI’s legacy product, and later PDI Enterprise, including pointof-sale interfaces, pricebook management and full accounting integration. Hammons’ hands-on leadership in retail operations and accounting made her what colleagues called a “unicorn” — a leader equally fluent in store operations and complex financial systems.

Her reputation as a power user and industry advocate quickly caught the eye of Alpharetta, Ga.-based PDI’s leadership, who recruited her to join the company following J. Wade Quinn’s acquisition by Kum & Go LC. From her start as a senior consulting manager to her current role as a senior

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Hammons is the architect of PDI’s modern Managed Services model and as the leader, she has grown the business from nine employees with a few hundred thousand dollars in revenue to 150-plus employees with significant recurring revenue growth, achieving double-digit expansion for six consecutive years. She also serves as the Temple, Texas office lead, fostering culture-building initiatives, local business competitions, volunteer programs and employee engagement activities.

“Annie is one of the most knowledgeable and hands-on leaders we have at PDI. She knows our enterprise customers and operations better than anyone, and she personally drives growth by being out in the field, earning customer trust,” said Frank Brennan, senior vice president and general manager of Global Services for PDI. “Her team’s success and the scale of what she leads today are a direct result of her impact and dedication.”

In the past year, Hammons has received internal recognition for service excellence, leadership and cultural impact.

However, her greatest accolade is the trust placed in her.

Customers frequently request her by name for executive reviews and complex discussions, and colleagues across departments rely on her expertise to validate decisions and navigate difficult conversations.

PDI customers frequently request Hammons for executive reviews and complex discussions.

Congratulations on being recognized in the 2026 class of Convenience Store News Top Women in Convenience.

Your commitment to the c-store industry and dedication to enhancing customer experiences continues to inspire us all.

©2026

COVER STORY

WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Whitney Johnson Senior Vice President of Marketing

Cumberland Farms Her efforts have paid off and led to significant growth in digital commerce revenue and more than 6 million loyalty members as of April 2026.

She is also responsible for leading the charge to reposition the company’s tobacco and nicotine category. After assuming leadership of the category in February 2025 and partnering closely with vendors, the team was able to transform the category into an industry leader, capturing market share and strengthening Cumberland Farms’ competitive position.

According to one of her nominators, equally important has been Johnson's leadership in building and empowering high-performing teams. She is known for mentoring emerging leaders across the marketing, communications, analytics and digital commerce teams.

WHITNEY JOHNSON’s journey began at

Philadelphia-based Sunoco in 2009 as part of Drexel University’s Cooperative Education Program. Since then, she has worked with several other convenience store retailers before moving to Cumberland Farms in 2024. Along the way, one thing has remained true: Johnson has focused her career on helping convenience retailers evolve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.

Since joining Westborough, Mass.-based Cumberland Farms as senior vice president of marketing, she has aimed to fulfill that driving principle by leading the retailer’s enterprise-wide marketing, digital commerce and customer engagement transformation. It’s no small task as the company’s national network spans 24 states from coast to coast.

In the past year, Johnson built a modern marketing infrastructure across digital commerce, loyalty, retail media and performance marketing, while launching the company’s first retail media network and delivery partnerships, creating new revenue streams and measurable returns for brand partners.

26 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

“She recruited top industry talent and fostered a hightrust environment that allowed our team to take risks, remain customer-obsessed and deliver measurable community impact through content and storytelling,” one nominator noted.

Johnson’s belief in the power of culture and social as drivers of business success has helped elevate Cumberland Farms’ brand presence and connect the company with customers in meaningful ways. However, her leadership does not stop at the departments she oversees.

She is an executive sponsor of the Cumberland Farms Inclusivity & Diversity Council, has participated in the NACS Executive Leadership Programs at Northwestern University and Cornell University, and is currently pursuing her EMBA at Brown University.

Johnson has focused her career on helping convenience retailers evolve how they connect with customers and grow their businesses.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Anna Paridee Vice President of Tax

RaceTrac Inc.

ANNA PARIDEE launched her professional

journey in public accounting before bringing her tax leadership and expertise to the convenience store industry at Atlanta-based RaceTrac Inc. five years ago.

In her role as vice president of tax, she oversees a broad and diverse tax portfolio spanning RaceTrac’s retail convenience platform, Gulf Oil’s wholesale fuel distribution business, Energy Dispatch’s fuel and logistics operations, and as of October 2025, Potbelly Sandwich Works, the company’s neighborhood sandwich shop brand.

Paridee balances complex tax requirements while serving as a strong advocate for each business line, applying practical judgment and creative solutions to support sustainable growth within the bounds of sound tax law.

The acquisition of Potbelly, a publicly traded company, by a privately held company with a different tax classification introduced unique and complex challenges.

However, Paridee navigated these through collaborative communication with business leaders, internal and external legal teams, and accounting and finance teams to ensure a successful and tax-efficient close of the transaction, extending RaceTrac’s family of brands into fast-casual dining.

Her sphere of influence extends beyond the corporate structure to Capitol Hill. Notably, she met with members of U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate staff to explain the importance of the Section 199A deduction, illustrating the downstream impact on store growth, job creation and local economies. Federal lawmakers later renewed the deduction as part of tax legislation signed into law in July 2025. Her testimony helped legislators understand that this issue was not solely about tax reduction, but about tax fairness for pass-through businesses that invest in communities, create jobs and develop homegrown talent — benefiting not only RaceTrac, but also thousands of employers throughout the country.

“Anna is a relentless advocate and strategic thinker whose impact on tax policy for the convenience industry is both significant and lasting. Through her exceptional technical expertise and deep understanding of the policy landscape, she has helped secure meaningful tax victories that benefit the entire industry,” said RaceTrac CEO Natalie Morhous. “She is equally adept at working cross-functionally, bringing creative and practical solutions that strengthen organizational strategy. Simply put, her leadership, insight and dedication set the standard for excellence in her field.”

Throughout her tenure at RaceTrac, Paridee has established herself as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and third-party financial advisors, known for providing clear judgment on complex business decisions. Her influence extends beyond the company through her selection to the Georgia Department of Revenue’s industry advisory panel and her recent role as a panelist at the American Petroleum Institute’s annual tax conference.

She’s also an active participant in RaceTrac’s LEAD (Link, Empower, Achieve, Develop) initiative, the company’s business resource group for women. LEAD has provided Paridee with an opportunity to mentor other women in the organization who are looking for opportunities to connect with and learn from organizational leaders.

“She has helped secure meaningful tax victories that benefit the entire industry.”

— RaceTrac CEO Natalie Morhous

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COVER STORY

WOMAN OF THE YEAR:

Sue Vandersall Vice President, Global Talent Development & Executive Succession Planning

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

that helped shape my transition and our continued focus on developing our people. She has built a culture where learning and growth are accessible, relevant and meaningful at every level.”

Since joining the global retailer seven years ago, Vandersall has led the design and execution of initiatives aligned to long-term business priorities, anchored by a leadership development ecosystem that reaches all levels of the organization. For example, programs such as the Global Leadership Forum and Emerging Leaders pair high-potential talent with practical, real experiences that strengthen leadership capability.

SUE VANDERSALL’s distinguished career

spans more than three decades and reflects a deep commitment to people development, organizational excellence and strategic leadership. She consistently demonstrates how a strong People Team drives business success — elevating individuals and strengthening organizations.

In her current role as vice president, global talent development and executive succession planning at Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K, Vandersall partners closely with senior business and human resource leaders to identify talent needs, build robust leadership pipelines, and create scalable programs that support employees across both corporate and frontline environments. As a key piece to development, she oversees myVOICE, the company’s annual engagement survey, bringing a forward-looking approach to building capable, future-ready teams.

“Sue has made a lasting impact on how we develop talent across the company,” said CEO Alex Miller. “As I stepped into my role as CEO, she has been an invaluable partner, providing guidance and support

28 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Focusing on the frontline, she oversaw the rollout of a SM Development Program across North America, reaching approximately 7,000 store managers. Additionally, more than 1,000 district managers have completed a targeted leadership program to strengthen their ability to support store teams. She also introduced “Easy Talk,” a quarterly check-in framework that encourages meaningful growth conversations between leaders and their teams.

Vandersall demonstrates a strong commitment to people development, fostering a culture of mentorship that creates meaningful connections and growth opportunities while promoting continuous learning, engagement and career advancement at every level.

“Sue is a driving force behind our sustained recognition as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace for five consecutive years, now with Distinction. Her commitment to listening to our people and turning insights into action has strengthened our culture in meaningful ways,” said Chief People Officer Ina Strand. “Sue embodies our People vision of Growing Together. Initiatives like Easy Talk and myVOICE bring that vision to life, creating consistent, meaningful moments of connection, feedback and development across the company.”

“Sue has made a lasting impact on how we develop talent across the company.”

— Alimentation Couche-Tard CEO Alex Miller

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR Woman of the Year

SUE Vice President, Executive Succession Planning and Talent Development

2026 TOP WOMEN IN CONVENIENCE

Senior Level Leader

Senior Level Leader

Division Director of Operations, Grand Canyon BU

Head of Wholesale Fuels

Rising Star

Rising Star

Merchandising Director, Texas BU

Senior Manager, Merchandising

TE

These outstanding women are helping shape the future of convenience retail and mobility through their leadership, dedication to winning the customer, and commitment to excellence.

We are proud to celebrate our seven honorees and the exceptional talent they represent across our company. Their achievements reflect the strength of our people, and they continue to be a bright light across our company as they lead with purpose, inspire others, and shape the future of our business.

Play to Win! Mentor

Mentor

Store Manager, Coastal Carolina BU

Director Program Management, Data Enablement

TIFF

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS Katie Adams

Director of Fuels & Energy Technologies RaceTrac Inc.

• In her current role, Adams serves as the senior technology leader for RaceTrac’s fuels and energy division, one of the most complex and high-impact areas of the convenience industry. Her leadership ensures the systems powering those operations are reliable, innovative and positioned for the future.

• Her most recent significant contributions include the technology onboarding and consolidation efforts for Gulf Oil, which RaceTrac acquired in December 2023, and NGL, which the company acquired in May 2025.

She proactively assessed legacy systems within each organization, identifying where platforms could be standardized and data integrity strengthened.

• Looking ahead, she’s developed a modernization roadmap for two mission-critical applications, setting the team up for improved performance, scalability and new capabilities in 2026 and beyond. She also championed the strategic expansion of Salesforce across the fuels and energy division, securing executive buy-in to bring the Gulf Inc., Gulf Oil and NGL marketing teams onto a single platform.

Tina Badger

Senior Category Manager CrossAmerica Partners LP

• As senior category manager for tobacco, Badger oversees strategy and execution across an 18-state footprint. Now in her fourth year with CrossAmerica Partners, she has established herself as a results-driven leader with a strong focus on field execution and performance accountability.

• Over the past year, Badger’s leadership delivered standout results that extended beyond share and category growth, complemented by a two-tiered companywide program that combined a sales contest with a high-volume bonus structure. Her ability to align teams around clear priorities consistently translates into measurable performance gains and sustained momentum.

• Badger brings a unique, well-rounded perspective shaped by a long career that began in store operations before transitioning into marketing, returning to operations, and ultimately moving back into category leadership. In 2026, she was recognized as a nominee for Category Manager of the Year (Behind the Counter – Large Chain).

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Lauren Bartels

Director of Sales, Convenience National Retailers Ferrara Candy Co.

• Bartels brings exceptional credibility and a strong customer-first perspective to both Ferrara and its retail partners. She led the strategic development and execution of Ferrara’s largest innovation launch to date, NERDS Juicy Clusters. As a result, the product became the No. 1 sugar confection innovation of 2026 and the No. 1 driver of sugar confection category growth, while accelerating the NERDS brand toward $1 billion in national sales.

• Bartels also has been a key architect of Ferrara’s foodservice strategy — recognizing foodservice as a critical driver of trips and basket growth. She led her team to successfully secure multiple high-impact retailer foodservice collaborations, creating win-win partnerships that strengthen retailer-owned foodservice programs while expanding Ferrara’s presence beyond the candy aisle.

• Beyond commercial results, she is a recognized leader within Ferrara’s DE&I efforts. For the 2025 term, she served as co-chair of the Ferrara Women Who Lead business resource group, the company’s largest business resource group with more than 300 members.

Stephanie Bernier Director of Sales NOCA Beverages

• Bernier is a transformational leader within the convenience channel who has played a pivotal role in accelerating growth, strengthening retailer partnerships, and building scalable retail strategies that drive long-term success.

• Under her leadership, NOCA Beverages has significantly expanded its footprint across the convenience channel. Effective placements have grown 46%, effective accounts have increased 44%, and channel volume has grown 102% year over year. In addition, Bernier grew her regional business by 132% year over year, significantly outpacing category growth and accelerating the brand’s presence across convenience retailers.

• She plays a critical role in expanding geographic reach and strengthening the company’s distribution network. She successfully launched three new states — Nevada, Utah and Nebraska — and helped secure and grow distribution with leading convenience retailers such as 7-Eleven, QuikTrip and Maverik. She also developed key regional partnerships with retailers such as Holiday Oil and Top Stop Convenience Stores.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Kelly Bucher

Senior Director, Technology Planning Casey’s General Stores Inc.

• Bucher’s primary responsibilities span four critical domains: acquisition integration, technology lifecycle modernization, vendor and asset management, and governance/risk/compliance. Most notably, she led the integration of 198 stores the company added through its acquisition of Fikes Wholesale and its CEFCO network, and delivered full integration nearly a year ahead of schedule.

• In her technology planning role, she sets the roadmap for modernizing Casey’s IT infrastructure. She oversees large-scale hardware refreshes, application rationalization, and the deployment of enterprise platforms that improve operational efficiency and guest experience. Her leadership ensures store technology is reliable, standardized and future-ready.

• As a member of NACS, Bucher has participated in NACS Day on Capitol Hill for six consecutive years and serves on the Northern Iowa Accounting Advisory Council. In addition, she sponsors Casey’s iWill (Women Inspired to Lift and Lead), launched a Women in Technology program, and mentors emerging leaders through NextUp.

Abigail Cerra Director of Marketing Chestnut Market

• Between January 2025 and February 2026, Cerra led the launch of Chestnut Rewards, the company’s first comprehensive loyalty platform. In less than a year, the program scaled to 130,000 active members, dramatically expanding customer data capabilities, increasing visit frequency, and creating a direct communication channel with guests across more than 70 locations.

• Simultaneously, she built and structured the company’s marketing department, assembling and mentoring a team of three full-time professionals and two interns.

Cerra established clear brand standards, campaign strategy, vendor partnerships and internal communication systems that elevated merchandising execution and strengthened brand consistency across all markets.

• She also launched Chestnut Market’s first dedicated customer service department. This initiative created a formalized feedback loop between guests and leadership, strengthening service standards, protecting brand reputation, and reinforcing the company’s people first commitment.

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Shannon Cox

Sales Director AMCON Distributing Co.

• From January 2025 to February 2026, Cox managed the integration of two major facilities for AMCON: the acquisition of Arrowrock Supply in Boise, Idaho, and a new 250,000-square-foot facility in Colorado City, Colo.

• She integrated two historically strong branch sales teams into one cohesive regional team. The process included realigning territories and account coverage, ensuring uninterrupted service to major chains during facility transitions, and maintaining revenue momentum during structural reorganization.

• During this same period, she played a critical role in securing new business from InConvenience Inc, a 25-store chain based in Chicago; Triplett Inc., a 10-store truck stop/c-store chain in Kansas; and Sapp Bros., a regional truck stop chain headquartered in Nebraska.

These wins required customized onboarding infrastructure; transition planning across operations, IT, merchandising and logistics; planogram development; and cross-departmental coordination.

Jennifer Crawford Director of Marketing Chester’s Chicken

• In 2025, Crawford contributed to a 10% year-over-year increase in case growth through a new multiunit retail operator engagement tracker, actively participating in annual partnership meeting planning, and delivering dedicated marketing support designed to increase traffic and sales across locations.

• To build the capability behind that growth, she recruited, trained and mentored a field marketing coordinator, establishing a new role that strengthened field execution and elevated retail operator partner support. That investment in talent contributed directly to the success of Chester’s grand-opening events, resulting in a 30% lift in average monthly cases for new stores compared to the company average, and creating a scalable launch model that can be replicated as the fried chicken c-store brand expands.

• She also launched digital initiatives, including a store locator, location pages and Google listings, driving a 40% increase in online brand visibility and a 158% increase in online engagement — plus an annual revenue impact of $1.5 million.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Chiara Cubero

General Manager of Operations ExtraMile Convenience Stores LLC

• Cubero oversees operations and franchise success in the company's emerging markets, including Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. She has acted as the key operational executive enabling the retailer's expansion into multiple new states across two geographical regions, has consistently led stores to deliver high results, and has overseen the entire site lifecycle from sales prospect to opening to operation.

• In 2025, she coordinated just under 30 store openings throughout Arizona and the Southeast, successfully leading cross-functional teams through an aggressive and highly complex expansion cycle. Building on that momentum, Cubero this year has aligned a projected 110 store openings nationally, including a record-setting 59 openings in the Southeast region and counting.

• She is deeply committed to developing people. She mentors emerging leaders, fosters collaboration across teams, and cultivates an inclusive, high-performance culture where individuals are encouraged to grow and succeed.

Megan Diaz de Arce Director of Sales, Convenience Retail Mondelēz International

• Spearheading the launch of Mondelēz International's Frontline Convenience Selling Organization, she collaborated cross-functionally to develop resources, expand capabilities and align direct selling support to maximize growth. She played a pivotal role in the strategic development and deployment of a new go-to-market model designed to build a best-in-class direct selling capability across the United States.

• During 2025, Mondelēz dollar growth in Diaz de Arce’s assigned stores outpaced unassigned convenience stores by 3.0 points. Her team implemented a category-centric selling approach, increasing the company’s average items in assigned stores at a rate of 2.9 points higher than unassigned, demonstrating the measurable impact of direct selling efforts. She received the Agility Over Perfection Leadership Award in 2025.

• Diaz de Arce is an active member of her local chapter of NextUp in Charlotte, N.C., serving as the college outreach lead. She was recognized by the organization as a "Voice of NextUp" in July 2025.

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Terin Duell

Director, Talent & Development ITG Brands

• Duell’s fiscal year 2025 impact reflects a leader who brings out the very best of the company’s high-performance culture. She balances purposeful collaboration with data-led clarity and does it in a way that lifts others, raises standards and strengthens the ITG Brands organization, according to her nominator.

• One of her standout contributions is elevating leadership capability. Duell championed ITG Brands’ Connected Leadership Coaching Program, a compelling six-month experience now completed by 90% of people leaders. The impact has been significant: the company’s 2025 Employee Experience results showed an outstanding 81% People Leader Index, with meaningful gains in listening, performance coaching, inclusion and belonging.

• Duell also led one of the most significant shifts in the company’s operating model, moving from outsourced recruiting to a fully in-house team. Under her leadership, the team filled 400-plus roles and delivered more than $1 million in savings.

Kathryn Duque

Vice President of Product Management PDI Technologies

• In 2025, Duque championed a renewed focus on delivering fully automated tobacco loyalty solutions for independents, chain retailers and oil brands.

Her leadership set the strategic direction for a complete revamp of PDI’s loyalty platform, ensuring it was architected to support the highest level of the AGDC 2026 Digital Trade Program (Tier 4).

• As part of that effort, Duque drove the development of AGDC Personalization Plus (P+) capabilities across PDI’s loyalty host customers. She also led the successful relaunch of the Skupos Corner Rewards shared platform, delivering the same Tier 4 and P+ capabilities to thousands of independent retailers.

• She was part of the winning team for the PDI Technologies Deal of the Year. In addition, she launched the PDI Engagement Customer User Group, bringing customers and product teams together to identify the biggest opportunities and challenges to solve with the PDI R&D Roadmap and participate in focus groups to co-design the resulting solutions.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Toni Emerson

Director of Merchandising Systems McLane Co. Inc.

• Emerson provides leadership and strategic direction across four core teams. She oversees the Center for Category Innovation, the data analytics team, the category insights team and the reclamation team. Over the past year, she led the successful launch and expansion of the company’s Item Visibility and MPulse Core & Store platforms. Through supplier onboarding, training and ongoing platform optimization, she ensured strong adoption and measurable real-world value.

• She launched a Supplier Portal User Group, a collaborative forum that invites key manufacturers to directly influence the future roadmap of McLane’s digital tools.

This initiative strengthened partnerships, accelerated innovation and positioned the company as a leader in supplier transparency and engagement.

• Emerson plays an active leadership role in the procurement team’s mentorship program, with a focus on developing women pursuing careers in c-store technology and merchandising. She’s also an active participant in IgniteHER, McLane’s women’s business resource group.

Michelle Fluharty Secretary/Treasurer Smith Oil Co.

• As an officer of Smith Oil Co., Fluharty has led several growth initiatives. She helped guide Smith Oil in sourcing and offering nontraditional convenience store items, including lawn and garden supplies and novelty merchandise. She also championed the inclusion of products from local vendors, using the company's platform to support other small businesses within the community.

• Her forward thinking continued as she introduced a new loyalty program in partnership with Liquid Barcodes. First, Smith Oil offered customers the opportunity to save 10 cents per gallon via a fuel pay mobile app, followed by the introduction of digital stamp cards that let shoppers earn a free item after purchasing a certain number of identical items.

• Fluharty is successful with team building and involves the store and office employees in company initiatives.

She created monthly "Store Wars" in which stores compete for the most sales — with a hefty payoff to the winning store.

36 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Rebecca Ganas

Human Resources Director Lewis & Raulerson Inc.

• Ganas has made a lasting impact on the Lewis & Raulerson family of companies through a combination of operational improvement, employee advocacy and steady leadership.

One of her most significant accomplishments was rolling out Paylocity, consolidating multiple outdated human resources and payroll systems into one unified platform.

• She also implemented a new training software platform, helping improve consistency, development and onboarding across the business. In addition, she helped negotiate free telemedicine as part of the company’s benefits package and implemented a new personaltime-off (PTO) policy allowing part-time employees to begin earning PTO for the first time, creating a structure for employees to cash out PTO, and giving convenience store managers paid holidays when they previously did not receive them.

• Ganas is Mental Health First Aid certified and has used that training to implement mental health resources for employees dealing with traumatic events.

Carolyn Gardner

Director, Strategic Accounts Juul Labs Inc.

• Gardner executes the commercial strategy for nine multistate operators, leading a team of six key account managers and supporting initiatives across marketing, consumer engagement, CRM systems and operational improvements.

• In 2025, she transformed the strategic account team by increasing productivity, strengthening collaboration and resolving longstanding operational challenges. She led the resolution of a financial conflict with a Tier 1 customer, eliminating recurring deductions and recovering lost revenue. She also helped drive Juul’s direct c-store engagement initiative, with three-quarters of her team delivering double-digit growth in participating stores during the final six months of the year.

• A recognized high performer, mentor and collaborator, Gardner has received multiple Juul Club recognitions.

Externally, she serves as a NACS Ambassador and participates in Boston Dress for Success, which supports women reentering the workforce.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Jamie Gay

Director of Sweet Goods Bakery Kwik Trip Inc.

• Responsible for overseeing the quality and food safety of Kwik Trip’s 260 million bakery units while improving efficiency, Gay leads initiatives for increasing units per labor hour and decreasing waste, which has helped drive a 5% increase in overall sales units while seeing only a 1% increase in labor hours. Because of the company’s vertical integration, her team has added an incredible $120 million to retail’s bottom line.

• In the past year, Gay led the automated packaging of all yeast raised products that include an automated palletizer. Under her leadership, her team also responded to retail’s request to have bars and brownies precut, purchasing the equipment to make this happen.

• She is leading the design of a new automated muffin and bar line to satisfy the capacity and growth for up to 1,600 retail stores. Additionally, her team implemented a warehouse management system to control traceability of ingredients throughout the facility.

Jeta Kaziu George Senior Vice President of Marketing Inter-Continental Cigar Corp.

• A strategic and results-driven leader, George plays a pivotal role in driving measurable business performance while leading the marketing organization to achieve company growth objectives. Her ability to align strategy, messaging and execution across multiple functions ensures that key initiatives are translated into tangible marketplace success, strengthening both brand performance and retail growth.

• Over the past 12 months, she successfully launched four major business initiatives, each supported by comprehensive marketing strategies, field execution programs and sales-enablement tools. These launches required cross-functional collaboration and demonstrated her ability to transform strategic priorities into actionable programs that accelerated customer engagement, enhanced execution at retail and contributed to revenue growth.

• George has assumed critical executive-level duties, including development and implementation of the company's integrated Marketing and Trade Strategy. Through her leadership, the organization has strengthened its retail growth agenda, improved alignment between commercial and marketing objectives, and established a clear roadmap for sustainable business expansion.

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Kristin Ghere Director of Marketing & Brand Management Jump Start Stores

• Over more than 10 years in the convenience industry, Ghere has built a career focused on brand strategy, customer experience and consumer engagement. By integrating loyalty, data-driven strategies and customer insights, she creates retail experiences that strengthen both customer relationships and business performance.

• She built Jump Start's loyalty and omnichannel marketing platform, integrating in-house creative, strategic partnerships and customer engagement into a unified retail experience. The platform grew Jump Start Rewards to more than 192,000 members in 36 months.

Today, members account for 57% of all customer transactions, while omnichannel campaigns have increased fuel customers' in-store purchases by more than 20% during summer promotions and driven a 30% increase in energy drink sales.

• Ghere is a recognized voice in customer experience and consumer engagement. A NACS Master of Convenience, she serves on industry advisory boards and is regularly invited to speak at trade shows and retailer forums.

Samantha Gibbons Vice President, Sales, Marketing & R&D Performance Food Group Manufacturing

• Gibbons leads the commercial strategy for her company’s convenience business across national sales, franchise and license programs, and the military division. In recognition of her leadership, she was also given oversight of the customer service and R&D organizations, expanding her role to include key functions supporting customer experience, product quality and commercialization.

• During the past year, she led a companywide pricing strategy overhaul, aligning sales, marketing, R&D, finance and operations around a data-driven approach designed to strengthen competitiveness and drive market share. She also restructured the franchise sales organization by redefining territories, modernizing support models, and better aligning the team with customers’ evolving needs.

• Gibbons is actively engaged in cross-functional leadership groups focused on commercialization, customer alignment and enterprise growth. In addition, she contributes to internal initiatives that strengthen collaboration across operations, product development and sales strategy.

Jamie Gay Director of Sweet Goods Bakery

Congratulations to all including our own Jamie Gay, who serves as an incredible trailblazer every day for Kwik Trip and all our guests.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Tania Goulart

Senior Director of Retail Marketing Wip Works Inc.

• Leading retail and shopper marketing strategy at Wip, Goulart has helped establish the brand within convenience retail, while building on more than a decade of experience driving retail growth across the CPG industry. She oversees integrated retail marketing initiatives, go-to-market planning and shopper activations, partnering with sales, marketing, leadership and retail partners to develop scalable programs and merchandising standards.

• Goulart developed an integrated retail activation strategy combining merchandising and retail associate training that generated more than $33 per store per week on average, with top-performing locations exceeding $80 per store per week, while delivering a 52% lift in sales performance. Through a strategic activation with Murphy USA, she helped position Wip as the highest-performing general merchandise promotional item.

• Beyond commercial results, she actively supports Wip's Women's Mentorship Program and LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, helping foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Christina Hanson Retail Zone Leader Kwik Trip Inc.

• Hanson leads a team of seven district leaders, four foodservice district leaders and 3,500 employees across Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. Her impact includes teaching, coaching, developing, mentoring, building team morale and productivity, as well as sustaining the culture of Kwik Trip.

• From January 2025 to February 2026, she opened six new stores in her zone's three states. She also led the initiative to bring stores to new markets such as Sioux Falls, S.D., and Sioux City and Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.

Since being promoted to zone leader in April 2024, her zone has opened 24 new stores.

• She works hard to coach, train and develop internal coworkers to fill a multitude of leadership roles.

Between Jan. 1, 2025 and Feb. 1, 2026, she promoted more than 50 assistant store leaders in her area, an incredible testament to her skills in developing people.

40 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Mandee Harvey-Smith

Director of Analytics, Insights & Media Strategy RaceTrac Inc.

• Building her current role after joining RaceTrac in 2022, Harvey-Smith leads marketing analytics, enterprise insights, and media strategy and execution for the Atlanta-based convenience store chain. She guides a multidisciplinary team that translates consumer understanding, analytics and marketing investments into business performance.

• Among her accomplishments in the past year, Harvey-Smith led RaceTrac’s “Future of Stores” initiative, helping inform corporate strategy and capital investment decisions across the store pipeline. She also oversaw insights that shaped the company’s employee value proposition; led a cross-brand alliance to create a unified customer experience across banners; and helped drive positioning for RaceTrac’s acquisition of Potbelly Sandwich Works.

• Harvey-Smith is a member of ATLeaders, a cohort of emerging business leaders nominated by the Metro Atlanta Chamber Board of Directors, and a member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum.

Lillian Kirstein

Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary 7-Eleven Inc.

• Kirstein leads 7-Eleven’s Legal, Compliance and Government Affairs functions and serves as principal legal advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team. She oversees regulatory and compliance programs, legal matters across core business functions, governance initiatives and strategic business activities.

• She guided the legal strategy behind several transformative transactions that reshaped convenience retail, including 7-Eleven’s $21 billion acquisition of Speedway and $4.3 billion acquisition of Sunoco stores. She also supports innovation initiatives, such as 7Now delivery, 7Rewards and self-checkout, helping advance the customer experience while ensuring strong legal and compliance frameworks.

• A trusted executive leader, Kirstein serves on the CEO’s Executive Committee. She is also on the board of directors for the International Franchise Association, and is a member of the Texas General Counsel Forum.

Christina Handson Zone Leader

Congratulations to all including our own Christina Hanson, who serves as an incredible trailblazer every day for Kwik Trip and all our guests.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Hillary Kresge

Head of Wholesale Fuels Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

• Kresge oversees fuel supply for more than 320 wholesale customers across the United States while leading a team of 16 professionals supporting operations, dealer engagement and wholesale development at Circle K. Her influence extends across the West Coast Business Unit and the company’s wholesale fuels organization.

• Since stepping into her role in 2023, Kresge has advanced Circle K’s wholesale fuels portfolio by introducing new branded fuel offerings, improving fuel brand compliance, and strengthening mystery shop execution scores. She also launched the company’s first wholesale dealer roadshow, engaging more than 100 dealers and creating new opportunities for collaboration, transparency and partnership.

• Recognized as a future leader, she was selected for Circle K’s Global Leadership Forum and the NACS Executive Leadership Program. In addition, she is a member of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance and participates in CFCA Day at the Capitol.

Tammy Lopez

Sales Director Premier Manufacturing Inc.

• Leading sales strategy and execution across the c-store channel for Premier Manufacturing, Lopez oversees regional account development, distributor partnerships, pricing strategy, forecasting and revenue growth initiatives.

Her leadership drives product distribution, promotional effectiveness, margin optimization and overall channel performance for the company.

• Over the past year, Lopez led targeted expansion initiatives that increased distribution, improved promotional compliance and generated incremental revenue.

She strengthened distributor partnerships through joint business planning sessions and quarterly business reviews, improving forecast accuracy, trade execution and inventory management while supporting stronger sell-through and profitability. She also elevated internal sales performance through scorecards and consistent coaching processes.

• Lopez is actively involved in the convenience store industry through organizations such as NACS, the Convenience Distribution Association, and Total Product Expo.

Maria Lamb

Vice President of Human Resources & Safety Coen Markets

• Lamb partners across the organization to align talent strategy with business growth, strengthen organizational capability and drive scalable, high-performing cultures. She successfully deployed the UKG Workforce Operations Platform to increase efficiency and effectiveness of human resources functions. She continually works to improve HR metrics for the company, with a 30% reduction in turnover as a result of her efforts.

• She is on the forefront of community engagement and workforce development, executing partnerships with veterans, high schools and a regional trade school to help develop the next workforce cohort. She also launched an innovative military recruiting strategy.

• An early adopter of AI in HR, Lamb has led the integration of advanced technologies in startups, as well as multibillion-dollar organizations over the course of her career and helped transform recruiting, performance management, total rewards, benefits administration, employee relations, new construction programs, succession planning, stock plan management, and workforce analytics.

42 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Kim Main

Senior Director, Channel Marketing Johnsonville

• Main develops and executes channel-specific marketing strategies at Johnsonville, strengthening customer relationships and driving category growth within the convenience channel. She translates emerging consumer and menu trends into product innovation, marketing programs and initiatives that support Johnsonville’s retail partners.

• In 2025, she contributed to 16% year-over-year growth in Johnsonville’s c-store business, helping lead initiatives that meaningfully outpaced the broader category. She also played a key role in expanding Johnsonville's presence with a top national convenience retail partner, increasing brand visibility and product availability. As a result of her efforts, convenience was one of the company’s strongest-performing channels.

• Main supports Johnsonville’s culture and leadership development as an active member of Women in Johnsonville and facilitator for the Johnsonville Coaching Club, where she supports colleagues in strengthening their professional and leadership skills.

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COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Nicole Masullo Senior Vice President Nittany Minitmart

• Promoted to her current role as senior vice president in 2025, Masullo oversees all aspects of Nittany MinitMart’s operations and leads store performance, team engagement and customer loyalty across the 30-store chain.

• Over the past year, she has played a key role in strengthening how Nittany MinitMart competes in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive convenience market, driving initiatives that elevate the customer experience, employee engagement and overall store performance. She recently spearheaded the relaunch of Nittany MinitMart’s loyalty app, online ordering and rewards platforms, driving a 50% increase in engagement and downloads.

• Masullo and her team received the 2025 Convenience Store News Technology Leader of the Year gold award for small chains. She is an active and engaged member of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, and NACS PAC.

Veronica Mena

Division Operations Director Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

• Working with Circle K’s Grand Canyon Business Unit, Mena impacts 650 stores and more than 5,500 employees. As division director of operations — a selective role designed to develop future vice presidents — she oversees facilities, marketing and merchandising strategies. She began her convenience career as a customer service representative with 7-Eleven while still in high school and has advanced through leadership roles at Circle K. • Mena has helped expand the business through new store openings and acquisitions across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. She also partnered on the launch of more than 20 in-store food locations in Arizona’s East Valley and is leading the expansion of a fresh, in-store burrito program with a local partner, opening six locations last fiscal year with plans for 20 more this year.

• She graduated from Circle K’s Global Leadership Forum and contributes to creating an inclusive workplace through her leadership and collaboration.

44 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Meghan Morgan

Vice President, Deputy General Counsel, Retail & Technology Pilot Travel Centers LLC

• Morgan was promoted to vice president, deputy general counsel at the end of 2025.

While serving in that position on an interim basis, she was instrumental in allowing for continuity and ensuring that the positive culture that had been procured over decades was maintained during the transition.

• During a year of change, she spearheaded an effort to establish a new legal operations function within the legal department and build out a holistic and robust approach to contract lifecycle management across the enterprise. She documented the business case, developed budgets and pitched these initiatives to leaders across Pilot. Her coalition efforts paid off with endorsements from directors across the enterprise and the executive leadership team. Both were approved as initiatives as part of a multiyear plan.

• According to her multiple nominators, Morgan’s overall commitment to excellence is without equal. She drives success and inspires by example.

Amy Nicholson

Director of Digital & Loyalty bp Products North America Inc.

• Nicholson is responsible for digital marketing, loyalty marketing and customer relationship management across bp, Amoco, Thorntons, ampm and TravelCenters of America, which includes execution of retail-focused initiatives.

She has led multiple high-priority, enterprise-level launches and campaigns that have advanced the company’s objectives.

• Her recent achievements include leading direct‑to‑ consumer, loyalty and digital communications for the earnify loyalty and Amazon Prime partnerships, the earnify fleet card launch, and sweepstakes and sponsorship activations, collectively driving meaningful increases in monthly visits, convenience and fuel cross‑sell transactions, and improvements in consumer contactability and active engagement.

• Nicholson also led the migration of select Thorntons sites to the earnify platform and stood up a new enterprise‑level team last year, bringing team members from across bp’s brands together to create greater alignment, clarity and scale across the company’s portfolio.

7-ELEVEN PROUDLY CONGRATULATES OUR OUTSTANDING LEADERS 2026 TOP WOMEN IN CONVENIENCE AWARD WINNERS

SR-LEVEL LEADER

SR-LEVEL LEADER

MENTOR

LILLIAN KIRSTEIN

STEPHANIE SHAW

CASIE MAGGIACOMO

RISING STAR

RISING STAR

RISING STAR

RISING STAR

HEATHER WELLS

SELINA KORKIS

LUPITA REYES

ERIKA THOMPSON

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Kirstin Olympidis

Senior Human Resources Liaison Family Express Corp.

• Olympidis plays a critical role in shaping Family Express’ people strategy, workforce development and employee relations, serving as a key bridge between human resources and operations while overseeing major aspects of leadership development, compliance, and training and onboarding initiatives.

• In 2025, her efforts to maintain strong employment practices, workforce stability and leadership development were instrumental in the Valparaiso, Ind.-based convenience store chain maintaining an employee turnover rate under 40%, while strengthening its culture of accountability, professionalism and career development.

• Inside Family Express, Olympidis is known as a thoughtful problem-solver who has earned significant respect and recognition from colleagues and helps leaders navigate complex situations with professionalism and sound judgment. Her contributions have strengthened both the operational performance and long-term stability of the organization.

Donna Perkins Senior Consultant W. Capra

• Perkins supports retailers across a wide range of operating models and organizational sizes, guiding teams through pricebook, inventory and retail automation implementations while promoting consistent, standards-based approaches that support long-term operational efficiency.

• Her recent accomplishments include expanding her technical capabilities and expertise to strengthen client teams’ ability to manage pricing, inventory and system dependencies throughout multiple retailer engagements.

Her guidance through complex systems helped team members develop a deeper understanding of how their systems connect and how upstream decisions affect store-level execution and financial accuracy.

• According to her nominator, Perkins is a trusted advisor and teacher whose legacy is not only successful system implementations, but also stronger, more capable teams.

Her ability to elevate others’ performance is a defining element of her impact on the c-store industry.

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Jessica Pickelsimer Division Director Murphy USA Inc./QuickChek

• Pickelsimer leads operations across a three-state territory of 130 stores and 11 districts in Tennessee, Kentucky and portions of Illinois. During the 2025 performance year, her division earned a top 3 ranking in Murphy USA’s Circle of Stars Division Ranking, reflecting strong, balanced performance across operational, financial and customer experience metrics.

• Her division achieved the highest center of store in-stock rate and the highest tobacco in-stock rate across the organization. Her team also delivered the leading divisional performance during a September 2025 ZYN promotion, successfully executing a key merchandising initiative that drove strong sales results.

• In addition to operational excellence, Pickelsimer prioritizes the customer experience and her division achieved the highest OSAT (overall satisfaction) score across Murphy USA, underscoring her focus on creating a culture of service excellence and accountability at every level of the organization.

Elizabeth Pierce Chief Operating Officer Cumberland Farms

• Pierce leads store operations, facilities, construction, warehouse, environmental compliance, and health and safety. She oversees performance across more than 1,500 locations in 24 states, leads an operations organization of approximately 17,000 team members, and plays a central role in delivering over 70% of the company’s annual capital plan.

• In 2025, she was a driving force behind the rollout and rapid growth of the SmartRewards loyalty program, adding four million new members and achieving record increases in fuel gallons sold, daily active users and loyalty transactions. She also led the ambitious expansion of Krispy Krunchy Chicken across the Cumberland Farms (formerly EG America) network, strengthening the brand’s foodservice offering and customer engagement.

• She is consistently recognized by colleagues for her ability to combine big-picture thinking with operational execution, helping teams navigate complex challenges while maintaining a strong focus on performance and continuous improvement.

Jessica Pickelsimer

Meghan Fischer

Division Director Category: Senior Level Leader

Division Director Category: Rising Star

Nancy Adams

Tiffany Cavaliere

District Manager Category: Mentor

Sr Talent Management Specialist Category: Rising Star

We are Big-Hearted, Brave, Empowered and United

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Stephanie Shapiro

Senior Director of Merchandise Core-Mark International Inc.

• Shapiro leads the retail goods merchandising team across multiple center-store categories at Core-Mark, ensuring that key strategies align with customer needs and industry trends, while guiding her team to deliver data-driven insights and category expertise.

• Her recent accomplishments include leading the restructuring of multiple marketing programs to lower barriers of entry for vendors, improving ROI, strengthening program participation and creating a more inclusive and innovative vendor community. Additionally, under her leadership, the merchandising team launched and executed core programs that generated $30 million in incremental, non-cigarette sales.

• Shapiro is known for her leadership, vision and dedication to partnership, as well as her ability to foster trust, collaboration and forward thinking. Her ability to bring stakeholders together, champion new ideas and execute with purpose continues to drive meaningful impact across the organization.

Stephanie Shaw Head of Communications 7-Eleven Inc.

Kimberly Simon

Vice President, Retail Business Support bp Products North America Inc.

• Simon oversees all marketing, space planning, pricebook, retail data and analytics, and customer excellence for bp’s retail network of more than 8,500 sites in 46 states. She is accountable for functions that shape every customer and guest touchpoint, including marketing, merchandising operations, customer enablement, retail excellence and compliance, construction and maintenance, and data and analytics.

• In the past year, she executed the plan to create a shared, central retail support system, combining overlapping team functions spanning the network.

This system includes new teams in bp’s Business and Technology Center in Pune, India, and implementation of a new marketing operating model that leverages a global marketing hub in Mumbai, India.

• At bp, Simon is known for playing a critical role in fostering a cohesive, collaborative environment and regularly helping team members develop and reach their professional potential.

Amie Sittner

Executive Assistant of Marketing U-Pak-It Convenience Stores

• Shaw, who joined 7-Eleven in April 2015, leads the company’s enterprise communications strategy, overseeing internal, external and store operations communications across more than 13,000 locations throughout the United States and Canada.

• Sittner, a more than 20-year veteran of the company, oversees rebate programs and related accounting processes for 73 U-Pak-It stores. She also maintains strong relationships with product representatives and partner companies while identifying and onboarding new stores.

• As a strategic advisor to the C-suite, she drives brand reputation, media relations and corporate storytelling efforts that align communications with business priorities, strengthen brand affinity and support growth, while leading integrated teams across in-house and agency partners. She also serves as vice president of the 7‑Eleven Cares Foundation Board, a nonprofit that supports the wellbeing of communities across the U.S.

• Last year, she helped add 20 new stores and played a critical financial leadership role at U-Pak-It. Her oversight of the company’s profit and loss helped the chain achieve the lowest monthly P&L in its history. Sittner also worked on the development of the company’s Cajun Rewards app.

• Shaw is recognized for creating culture-driving communications programs that elevate the 7‑Eleven brand and generate meaningful business impact. She has earned industry honors such as PR Executive of the Year, PRWeek Women of Distinction, and PRNews’ Top Women in In-House Innovation.

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• According to her nominator, Sittner uses strategic growth efforts, disciplined financial management and constant collaboration with vendors and store operators to deliver a meaningful, results-oriented impact across the entire organization. Her work directly supports the profitability of dozens of stores while also positioning the chain for continued expansion and long-term success.

COVER STORY

SENIOR-LEVEL LEADERS:

Jodi Solomon

Executive Vice President, Marketing & Communications OWL Services

• With more than 14 years of industry experience, Solomon has continually expanded her leadership responsibilities beyond marketing to include corporate recruiting, inside sales customer service and strategic parts pricing initiatives. At OWL Services, she leads the company's strategic marketing, branding and communications initiatives across one of the nation's largest providers of fueling and retail technology equipment and service.

• She has played a key role in unifying the marketing and communications efforts of 13 formerly familyowned companies operating under the OWL Services brand. She helped build a cohesive corporate identity while equipping sales and operations teams with the marketing tools, resources and brand standards needed to support growth, strengthen customer engagement and foster a unified company culture.

• Committed to advancing the industry, Solomon serves as a member of the Petroleum Equipment Institute Women's Committee, where she supports professional development, networking and leadership opportunities for women in the petroleum equipment industry.

Rosie Swan

Director of Commercial Strategy for Convenience & Gas PepsiCo Inc.

Tracie Wiggins

Director, Retail Operations CROSSMARK

• Wiggins leads national retail operations across the convenience channel for CROSSMARK, directing execution in more than 50,000 stores nationwide and managing a team of 421 retail representatives. In this role, she drives disciplined, high-impact execution in fast-turn retail environments.

• Last year, under her oversight, execution across all client programs exceeded internal goals while maintaining operational efficiency and protecting margin in a high-volume, labor-intensive environment. Wiggins supported leading CPG partners and aligned distribution growth, display compliance and field productivity to measurable financial outcomes, and contributed to building scalable infrastructure to support long-term growth within the convenience channel.

• She is known for her strategic insight and operational expertise. In addition to improving financial performance, she’s elevated leadership capability across the organization, reinforcing structured accountability, succession planning and field engagement.

RISING STARS Andrea Addrow-Pierson Manager, Federal Government Affairs ITG Brands

• Swan is responsible for authoring the company's annual strategic priorities for the entire U.S. convenience and gas business. Through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships and consistent follow-through, she helps position the business for long-term growth.

• Addrow-Pierson works on legislative and regulatory issues that affect manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers alike, with a focus on monitoring policy developments, engaging with policymakers, and supporting policies that protect responsible retail access for legal adult consumers.

• In 2025, she led the creation of PepsiCo's c-store channel plans, which became the roadmap for sales teams across the country. She also advanced “Food Deserves Pepsi” initiatives through meal bundles, resulting in more than 500 weeks of meal bundle execution across stores — a 66% increase from the previous year.

• She increased PAC engagement by 20%, organized major company PAC events, and expanded her responsibilities through a stretch assignment covering New York State government affairs. She currently serves as vice president of Black Professionals in Food and Agriculture, sits on the We Card Manufacturing Advisory Board, and is active in Women in Government Relations and Organization of Women in Nicotine and Tobacco, where she serves on the marketing committee.

• According to her nominator, Swan brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge of the convenience channel that turns strategy into action, strengthens customer relationships and elevates the teams around her. Her leadership has delivered real results for the business as she continues to raise the bar for PepsiCo.

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• Addrow-Pierson is recognized for her strong relationship-building skills, strategic leadership and ability to navigate complex public policy issues. She was also a John Robert Lewis Leader through the Faith & Politics Institute in 2025, and serves on the McKoin Academy Committee supporting youth development and community engagement initiatives.

RISING STARS:

Kaelyn Arrington

Taylor Baltes

Inventory Control Manager Core-Mark International Inc.

Senior Supply Chain Analyst Casey’s General Stores Inc.

• Arrington oversees inventory control, dry room and driver check-in at CoreMark’s Sanford, N.C., OpCo, where she ensures the team is performing efficiently and effectively. She has a comprehensive impact on total site operation.

• Baltes’ scope of responsibility includes high-impact strategic project leadership in which she serves as both project manager and business analyst, leading initiatives that directly influence supplier enablement, data integrity and operational scalability across the organization.

• According to her nominator, she is a superstar employee who has completely transformed the inventory team and function in Sanford, bringing consistency and predictability — with a positive attitude that is contagious.

• She recently led two successful major, enterpriselevel initiatives. In addition to her central role in streamlining the supplier onboarding process for improved efficiency, clarity and consistency, she played a key leadership role in supplier enablement for the largest acquisition in Casey’s history.

• Thanks to Arrington’s leadership, the Sanford OpCo is viewed as one of the strongest in all of Core-Mark, with a collaborative culture that has helped the site to deliver outstanding financial results. Other sites seek support and guidance from her team, and her efforts have helped multiple OpCos go from struggling with shrink to demonstrating consistent good performance.

• Baltes is known for consistently demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to team culture and engagement. Her nominator described her as the glue holding her team together, and noted that her achievements reflect a rare combination of strategic execution, operational excellence, leadership and cultural impact.

Gina Boyd

Melanie Baker

Territory Sales Manager Mars Snacking

• Baker is responsible for implementing and executing company sales strategies tailored for the convenience market. She advises key c-store decisionmakers on optimal product selection, effective merchandising strategies to drive impulse purchases, and strategies to increase the overall market basket ring.

• In the past year, Baker achieved numerous highly positive benchmarks and played a pivotal role as a sales team peer trainer. According to her nominator, Baker’s mentorship drives results by effectively teaching retail sales strategies that enhance performance throughout the convenience channel.

• Her other leadership accomplishments include serving on the Mars Snacking Retail Action Council (RAC), participating in Mars Snacking Strategic Revenue Management and Retail Development programs, and winning a Mars Snacking Horizon Award for her work with the RAC.

Territory Manager Swisher International

• Boyd manages territory-level sales, distribution and product display execution while using data analysis and customer relationships to enhance overall brand performance and ensure that retailers have the right product mix at the right price.

• At Swisher, she is known for consistently demonstrating exceptional performance, strategic execution and an unwavering commitment to excellence, achieving strong sales and outstanding distribution across multiple key brands that make her one of the top performers in her zone.

• According to her nominator, Boyd stands out for her leadership and commitment to team success, setting a strong example through collaboration, accountability and consistent support of broader strategic initiatives. She demonstrates exceptional professionalism and resilience through her ability to balance aggressive sales goals, operational relationships and team engagement.

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COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Tiffany Cavaliere Erin Butler

Category Manager Casey’s General Stores Inc.

• Butler leads Casey’s fresh bakery business with end-to-end ownership of strategy, execution and performance. In addition to setting and maintaining rigorous quality standards to ensure a best-in-class guest experience, she manages the complete bakery assortment, oversees category P&L, and drives promotional strategy to deliver sustained growth.

• Her recent accomplishments include delivering more than 7% fiscal year-to-date growth in fresh bakery, fueling more than two years of double-digit cookie growth through regular limited-time offers, and launching a premium pastry platform that pushed the category to nearly 50% sales growth.

• Outside of product innovation, Butler relentlessly challenges convention to build a better assortment for both guests and team members. According to her nominator, her bold vision, unwavering drive and commitment to excellence continue to redefine what’s possible in fresh bakery.

Kelsey Capellino Category Manager United Pacific

• Capellino is responsible for oversight of the full adult beverage category at 365 company-owned stores. She manages more than 100 supplier and wholesaler relationships, negotiates contracts, oversees trade and promotional investments, and ensures consistent execution through biannual resets and tailored planograms.

• Last year, she had a significant positive impact on United Pacific’s adult beverage and omnichannel businesses. In addition to playing a key leadership role in the planning cycle and strengthening assortment consistency, space productivity and long‑term category performance, she achieved 2% year-over-year beer category growth, outpacing broader market trends.

• According to her nominator, Capellino is a leader in driving innovation and operational excellence whose sphere of influence impacts revenue growth, margin performance, vendor strategy, operational execution and long-term category vision across the organization.

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Senior Talent Management Specialist Murphy USA Inc./QuickChek

• Cavaliere plays a key role in shaping leadership development, which includes leading the company’s promotions process, supporting managerand-above talent reviews, and partnering with senior leadership during enterprise talent discussions. She co-created the company’s Xchanging Perspectives reverse mentoring program, which connects participants across various levels of the organization.

• Other recent achievements include leading several initiatives to strengthen talent management processes; updating promotion review materials to reflect enterprise priorities during a transitional period; introducing a lessons-learned review process following promotion cycles; and taking key steps to preserve knowledge continuity.

• According to her nominator, Cavaliere is consistently recognized by leaders across the company for the quality, professionalism and reliability she brings to enterprise talent processes. She is also widely respected for her integrity, thoughtful judgment and insights.

Brittany Cavanaugh Manager, Corporate Communications The Wills Group

• Cavanaugh leads corporate communications and employee engagement efforts across the company’s portfolio of brands, with a focus on strengthening brand reputation, connecting teams across corporate and retail operations, and amplifying the company’s community impact. She oversees executive communications, internal messaging for employees, public relations, media engagement and strategic storytelling.

• Her recent achievements include leading communications for The Wills Group’s yearlong 100th anniversary celebration, including spearheading planning and storytelling strategy; supporting communications and public relations efforts tied to Dash In’s brand evolution and expansion; and modernizing the company’s communications infrastructure by launching new digital platforms and governance models.

• According to her nominator, Cavanaugh elevates how The Wills Group communicates with employees, communities and industry stakeholders alike, while supporting the company’s continued growth and innovation.

Jillian Cesear

Angelle Cloud

Manager, Third Party Account Management Altria Group Distribution Co.

• Cesear helps lead the relationships and strategic alignment for technology vendors that support convenience retailers as part of Altria’s digital trade program. Her duties include overseeing the implementation and management of PAR Retail products and services. She manages close coordination between retailers, technology partners and internal teams.

• In 2025, she played a critical leadership role in transitioning a major retailer to PAR Retail for digital services, a significant operational and technology transition that required strong project leadership, vendor management and cross-functional collaboration.

• Cesear is known as a trusted partner who regularly delivers meaningful operational impact across the convenience ecosystem. She has received multiple internal company awards in recognition of her consistent ability to drive results, foster collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to both her organization and the broader convenience industry.

Director of Foodservice Compliance/Corporate Dietitian Shop Rite Inc.

• Cloud plays a central role in shaping and sustaining Shop Rite’s Bourbon Street Deli program, ensuring that food is executed well, represented authentically and delivered consistently, while also overseeing compliance with state and local food regulations, including nutritional labeling, ingredient transparency and safety protocols.

• Over the past year, she has worked tirelessly to support store managers in high-pressure environments as a combination mentor, coach and problem solver while continuing to expand the visibility of Shop Rite’s foodservice program through media appearances, community events and promotional initiatives.

• Cloud is recognized as a leader who regularly shows up for others and whose influence ranges from back-of-the-house systems to front-of-thehouse storytelling. According to her nominator, she helps others to stay motivated, maintain standards and continue delivering strong results.

Erin DaSilva

Alyson Chase

Channel Marketing Manager, Convenience The Boston Beer Co.

• Chase is responsible for developing programs that drive brand growth, visibility and shopper engagement across the convenience channel for The Boston Beer Co. She partners closely with the brand marketing, sales, insights and retailer teams.

• Her recent accomplishments include spearheading the Angry Orchard x Jason Universe Halloween single-serve launch, which delivered 20% case growth; driving innovation through multiple limitededition packaging and visibility programs; and elevating Boston Beer’s presence at major industry events, including the NACS Show.

• According to her nominator, Chase has quickly established herself as a leader within the commercial marketing team and is known internally as the company’s c-store expert. Brands rely on her to ensure new initiatives work within the convenience environment, while sales partners depend on her ability to connect brand strategy with retailer priorities.

Customer Success Manager Rovertown

• Previously working with Rovertown during her time as a retailer, DaSilva now partners closely with retailers to help them best utilize every piece of their digital programs, including mobile apps, loyalty programs, mobile payments, car wash subscriptions and in-store promotions.

• She also regularly provides training and strategic guidance to operators through Rovertown’s monthly retailer webinars and is constantly available as a trusted advisor to retailers who are thinking through a new promotion, trying to improve app user engagement, or simply trying to ensure their digital strategy is working the way it should.

• According to her nominator, DaSilva is known internally and externally as someone who is always willing to jump in and help when someone needs it, and who consistently demonstrates reliability, thoughtfulness and remarkable knowledge about both technology and the retail side of the business.

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COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Brooke Dickerson Ipshita De

Category Management & Insights Director PepsiCo Inc.

• De is responsible for leading the category management team for PepsiCo’s 7-Eleven business.

In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of strategies to lead growth for the retailer across all categories that PepsiCo participates in.

• In 2025, she provided analysis and recommendations to help grow total category sales across the cold vault, which delivered outsized growth. This year, her work is expected to increase cold vault productivity by double-digits across all key subcategories and deliver more than $10 million in incremental revenue for PepsiCo. • De was honored with multiple awards in 2025. According to her nominator, she is well-regarded for going above and beyond, and being able to strike an impressive balance between exercising category objectivity and the ability to make strategically important callouts.

Addison Del Rio Vice President, QA & Lab Services W. Capra

• Del Rio leads W. Capra’s enterprise-scale technology lab, where she oversees quality assurance (QA), testing, certification, pilot and lab‑based services supporting convenience retail technologies. In her position, she manages and mentors cross-functional teams of engineers, analysts and technicians.

• She recently played a key role in advancing and scaling the lab to meet growing demand, focusing on strengthening its ability to support multiple concurrent programs while maintaining consistency, reliability and deployment readiness across a wide range of technologies.

• According to her nominator, Del Rio also strengthened the lab’s long-term execution capabilities, along with mentoring technical talent and providing senior‑level oversight on complex multivendor engagements. She is consistently trusted with leading one of W. Capra’s most technically complex and rapidly evolving capabilities, and continues to have a significant positive impact on the company.

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Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager Casey’s General Stores Inc.

• Dickerson is responsible for the strategic planning and support of more than $850 million in annual spend at the company, supporting prepared foods, dispensed beverages and private brands plus broader enterprise objectives.

• Last year, she led the team that implemented power forecasting tools, which enabled a proactive view of commodity exposure and cost drivers; oversaw the development of analytical dashboards that consolidate complex data into clear, actionable insights; and established and elevated business continuity and disaster planning standards with Casey’s supplier partners.

• Dickerson is viewed internally as a go-to resource who can be relied on to deliver results, proactively manage risk and elevate the role of sourcing. She is committed to people leadership and has fostered a culture of trust and authenticity while still demanding high execution and results.

Meghan Fischer

Director of Sales & Operations Murphy USA Inc./QuickChek

• Fischer leads operations at 65 stores across eight districts. She oversees more than 1,000 team members, while also serving as a key mentor and developer of field leadership across the organization.

• Last year, she contributed to multiple high-priority initiatives that strengthened leadership development, operational execution and cross-functional collaboration throughout the company. This included helping to develop and refine the QC Masters training program; stepping up as a regional director for a stretch assignment; and supporting Project Troy, a strategic initiative focused on improving operational consistency and execution.

• According to her nominator, Fischer is known for her commitment to building trust, strengthening leadership effectiveness, and fostering a positive culture for teams across the field organization. Her influence extends well beyond her operational responsibilities.

COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Kayla Grate

Programming Senior Manager Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

• Grate is responsible for managing and executing all national and business unit loyalty promotions. In addition to leading cross-functional coordination across the pricebook, digital ad operations, loyalty and rebate teams, she serves as the company’s subject matter expert for loyalty and digital strategy.

• She also owns and maintains the end-to-end promotional planning process. In 2025, Grate fundamentally transformed promotional planning by introducing a standardized timeline, centralized intake form and enterprise-wide dashboard. Additionally, she led the launch of 12 business units onto the Inner Circle platform.

• According to her nominator, Grate has been instrumental in helping turn the company’s promotional planning and execution around, and her ability to lead, innovate and deliver results at scale sets her apart as a true emerging leader.

Natalie Hall

Senior Manager, Brand Programs JUUL Labs Inc.

• Hall is described as “an indispensable leader who translates commercial strategy into tangible retail success.” In her role, she bridges the gap between commercial strategy and the retail floor, with ownership of the end-to-end execution of JUUL’s brand presence across thousands of c-stores, ensuring a consistent and professional aesthetic that resonates with consumers.

• Among her recent achievements, she served as the architectural lead for JUUL’s first-ever brand sweepstakes program, a major cross-functional initiative with a complex launch that ultimately became the brand’s most successful registration tool to date while significantly deepening strategic partnerships with major convenience retailers.

• According to her nominator, Hall has a solutionfinder mentality and the ability to unite teams. By overhauling foundational workflows, she has established herself as the organization’s “source of truth,” driving enterprisewide efficiency and precision.

Lisa Grigaliunas Head of Category & Consumer Insights Nowadays

Katy Hart

Director of Marketing Valor Oil LLC

• Grigaliunas, who joined the beverage company earlier this year, leads the development and execution of insightsdriven strategies that inform key business decisions across marketing, sales and leadership. She oversees both category and consumer insights, leveraging syndicated data, shopper insights and primary research to shape go-to-market strategies and retail storytelling.

• Hart oversees many initiatives that shape the customer experience at Valor Oil’s Hop Shops convenience stores. She has oversight of promotional campaigns, in-store and exterior design, merchandising, digital marketing, store events, and the development of branded merchandise across the Hop Shops network.

• Her recent achievements include introducing structured and scalable processes for the category insights team in a previous role at BeatBox Beverages, increasing efficiency and enabling the team to support 40% more requests in 2025. She also built the consumer insights function from the ground up, strengthening the ability to make data-driven decisions and identify new growth opportunities.

• Acting as a one-woman marketing department, she regularly strengthens team culture through creative fundraising and volunteer initiatives. In the past year, she has played a key role in raising the brand’s visibility both in its markets and across the broader industry.

She coordinated a nomination campaign for a NACS First Responder of the Year award that included in-store promotion and outreach.

• Her nominator called Grigaliunas an exceptional leader who contributes to building a culture of development and mentorship within her team, while elevating how insights are used across the organization.

• Her nominator noted that Hart brings energy, curiosity and a genuine interest in connecting with people, adding that the convenience store industry will be better off if leaders like her continue to grow within it.

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COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Anne Hughes

Senior Category Manager McLane Co. Inc.

• Hughes leads the strategy, commercialization and growth of McLane’s most strategic foodservice program. She is responsible for innovation strategy, commercialization processes and data-driven assortment design that strengthens the customer experience and profitability for McLane’s retailer partners.

• Last year, she delivered more than $11.6 million in enterprise growth based on her ability to build and scale high-impact foodservice programs simultaneously without sacrificing execution or quality. In addition, she oversaw the first-of-its-kind launch of a proprietary Korean BBQ sauce in partnership with Kraft Heinz, which became one of the strongest collaborative efforts in McLane history.

• Hughes is known for her ability to transform supplier relationships from transactional to collaborative. She also actively mentors cross-functional female talent across the organization, coaching and developing the next generation of c-store industry leaders.

Nikki Karakos District Manager Swisher International

• Recently promoted, Karakos was nominated for her accomplishments as region manager.

In this role, she was responsible for four major wholesalers and multiple retail chains in the Houston metro area. In addition to supporting company initiatives, ensuring they aligned with corporate strategy and were executed with precision, she challenged her team to perform to high standards and provided the coaching and support necessary for consistent field-level success.

• Achievements in her previous role included securing four new chain partnerships; implementing quarterly store receiving sprints to mobilize expanded distribution and improve shelf presence; and exceeding multiple key performance metrics in her region.

• Karakos is widely recognized for her proactive communication, operational excellence and commitment to developing others. She consistently coaches employees to execute at a high level while empowering them to take ownership of their markets.

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Lyndi Kenna

Digital Marketing Manager Cheyenne International LLC

• Kenna plays a key role in shaping Cheyenne’s online presence and overall marketing strategy. In addition to developing and implementing comprehensive online marketing plans to increase brand awareness, website traffic and customer acquisition, she oversees everything from content creation and management to data analysis and customer retention.

• Over the past year, she has led multiple strategic initiatives that successfully elevated Cheyenne and its brands, such as improving the company’s ability to efficiently automate, and launching several customer campaigns through digital marketing.

• According to her nominator, Kenna is a strong advocate for project excellence who guides others to learn and innovate and never accepts “good enough.”

She plays a vital role in increasing brand awareness, shaping the company’s reputation online and influencing customer perceptions.

Ashley Klosa

UST Compliance Project Manager Cumberland Farms

• Klosa, who recently assumed a new role, was nominated for her accomplishments as environmental operations analyst at Cumberland Farms. In this capacity, she supported environmental compliance and operational excellence across the company’s network. This included developing and enhancing key programs related to environmental compliance, partnering closely with environmental vendors and internal compliance teams.

• She played a key role in the development and rollout of the company’s annual UST compliance training program for store managers, reshaping the training approach to be more practical, engaging and focused on the “why” behind key compliance tasks. She also helped streamline management of the California market’s highly complex inspection program.

• According to her nominator, Klosa demonstrates a consistent delivery of results, collaborative approach and willingness to take on complex challenges. Her contributions have positioned her as a trusted resource within the company.

Sam Knosby

Joy Landis

Convenience Channel National Account Manager Diageo

• Knosby works closely with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure business plans and programs are clearly communicated, aligned and effectively executed in market. She utilizes proactive engagement and strong relationship management with distributors and retailers to ensure accountability and quickly resolve issues.

• In the past year, she delivered exceptional results across a network of more than 5,000 stores, generating upwards of $10 million in revenue, plus 29.3% dollar share growth. She led all national account managers at Diageo with 11.5% growth in new net points of distribution through effective placement gains.

• According to her nominator, Knosby’s positive leadership approach and commitment to execution have had a meaningful impact on both business performance and team collaboration, and her efforts directly contributed to multiple recent awards for the company.

Senior Customer Business Manager Mars Snacking

• In her role, Landis is responsible for several significant regional chains in the Midwest, as well as a distributor in the channel. Her work centers on the alignment of key strategies, building partnerships and delivering category growth.

• Within the past year, she helped many of her customers achieve growth above the category, with several eclipsing double-digit growth. Known as a strong advocate for the confections and snacks category, she is regarded for bringing solutions that increase customer conversion, drive sales and profit, and ensure the health of these critical categories for the convenience industry.

• According to her nominator, not only are Landis’ customer results off the charts, but she also goes above and beyond to provide mentorship and coaching to new associates. She is consistently sought after within the organization.

Selina Korkis

Kelly Leonardo

Western Zone Field Merchandise Manager 7-Eleven Inc.

Engagement Manager bp Products North America Inc.

• As field merchandise manager for 7-Eleven’s Western Zone, Korkis is responsible for driving merchandising execution and category performance across her field organization, ensuring that merchandising strategy translates into consistent store-level execution. She directly impacts sales, new item adoption, promotional readiness and seasonal merchandising across her markets.

• Leonardo serves as a key team member connected to bp’s extended leadership team, leading internal engagement initiatives that support business objectives across the organization.

In partnership with Corporate & External Affairs, she ensures communications align with bp’s broader U.S. strategy while supporting guest-facing experiences, grand openings and community events.

• Within the last year, she played a pivotal role in advancing core merchandising processes, including calibrations, resets, prebook execution and new item take rate. She also delivered transformational impact within the field merchandise manager organization, driving measurable improvements in execution discipline, process consistency and field alignment.

• Last year, she played a central role in bp’s U.S. Convenience & Mobility expansion by leading three flagship ampm grand-opening activations in the Atlanta market. The events drove strong guest engagement, increased Earnify enrollment and elevated community visibility, establishing a new benchmark for future market launches.

• Korkis is known for translating complex merchandising initiatives into clear, actionable frameworks.

According to her nominator, she approaches every initiative with a force-multiplier mindset and utilizes disciplined execution, strategic process improvement and strong peer leadership to deliver meaningful, scalable impact.

• Leonardo supports bp’s charitable and culturebuilding efforts through the Champ Cares Champions Committee and the company’s Culture Squad. She also advances partnerships with organizations such as Feeding America and In Our Backyard, helping promote volunteerism, awareness and community impact.

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COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Sarah Logan

IT GRC Analyst Casey’s General Stores Inc.

Danielle Moulé

Division Sales Director Core-Mark International Inc.

• Logan leads the design and oversight of Information Technology General Controls (ITGCs) that safeguard Casey’s critical systems and data. She partners closely with leaders across IT, security, finance and business functions to ensure compliance requirements remain aligned with the company’s evolving technology landscape.

• Moulé leads sales strategy and execution for Core-Mark’s Vancouver OpCo, overseeing a team of 15 and serving more than 2,300 customers across the region. Serving as a key link between customers and internal operations, finance and purchasing teams, she plays an important role in driving growth, strengthening partnerships and aligning cross-functional execution.

• She played a key role in supporting Casey’s acquisition and integration of CEFCO Convenience Stores, designing and implementing ITGCs for the acquired entity. She also partnered with the Governance, Risk & Compliance team to introduce automation into control testing processes, improving efficiency, consistency and overall quality while reducing manual effort.

• Since transitioning from operations manager to sales director in 2025, Moulé has led several meaningful organizational initiatives, including the implementation of a new sales compensation model and a strategic sales reorganization designed to support team engagement, strengthen market coverage and position the business for long-term growth.

• A two-time recipient of Casey’s Technology and Data Awards, earning both the Ray of Sunshine Award and the Cheerleader Award, Logan is recognized for her positive impact across the organization. She is an active member of the company’s iWill resource group and Women in Technology Group, helping mentor, support and inspire fellow team members.

• Committed to both personal and team development, she is passionate about mentoring others and creating opportunities for growth across her team. Recognized as a potential successor for an OpCo President role, she leads with a coaching-based approach focused on building engagement, motivating others and fostering a strong team culture.

Rosie Manzanarez Merchandising Director, Texas Business Unit Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

• Manzanarez leads category strategy, marketing execution and operational performance for the Texas Business Unit, one of the largest in the company. A rising leader who began her convenience retail career as a category specialist, she now oversees a team of 12, including category managers and individual contributors.

• Since being promoted in late 2024, she has led several high-impact merchandising and marketing initiatives that have strengthened category performance and profitability. Her accomplishments include driving food assortment optimization; improving rebate visibility through a new accounting process; enhancing in-store merchandising effectiveness; and delivering sales and margin gains through supplier negotiations, product mix optimization and program enhancements.

• Her leadership earned participation in the Emerging Leaders program, Yale School of Management Executive Education, and the NACS Northwestern Kellogg Marketing Leadership Program. A recipient of Circle K’s Purple Thunder Award, Manzanarez was also selected as one of only 25 participants in the company’s Global Leadership Forum.

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Lupita Reyes

Senior Manager, Restaurant Operations STX 7-Eleven Inc.

• A 23-year convenience store industry veteran and nine-year 7-Eleven leader, Reyes oversees a large multiunit market with responsibility for 98 restaurants and a broad retail footprint. She drives operational excellence, financial performance, food execution, talent development, vendor partnerships and community engagement while ensuring consistent execution across all locations.

• From January 2025 to February 2026, Reyes’ market exceeded budget across nearly every major financial category, including net earnings, merchandising gross profit and controllable earnings. All 98 restaurants performed above plan, generating more than $2 million in restaurant operating profit above budget. She also pioneered the “Walking the Taco” assembly line approach, helping validate and accelerate adoption of the Laredo Taco Company assembly line model.

• Committed to building strong teams, Reyes strengthened organizational stability by reducing restaurant leadership vacancies to just five across 98 locations through structured coaching, accountability and leadership development.

CHEERS TO 2026 TOP WOMEN IN CONVENIENCE WINNERS

RISING STAR AWARD LIZ SIZEMORE SENIOR DIRECTOR, CHANNEL STRATEGY & OPERATIONS, CONVENIENCE RETAIL, THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, NORTH AMERICA OPERATING UNIT

WHITNEY WINSTEAD DIRECTOR, NATIONAL SALES, THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, NORTH AMERICA OPERATING UNIT

Congratulations on your outstanding achievements and commitment to advancing the future of convenience retail. We’re proud to have you on our team and honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with you.

COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Nicole Riordan

Senior Account Executive General Mills Convenience

• Riordan serves as the lead partner for General Mills Convenience’s relationship with Core-Mark, supporting all 34 Core-Mark divisions nationwide. In addition to managing more than $81 million in annual sales, she works closely with both corporate and field teams developing localized strategies, leading sales meetings and representing the business at industry events.

• Among her accomplishments, Riordan identified and resolved a multimillion-dollar product diverting issue that had contributed to a 33% performance decline. By partnering with internal teams to develop reporting and accountability measures, she eliminated the practice within months, protecting tens of millions of dollars in revenue.

She also helped secure more than $1.3 million in cost savings during 2026 contract negotiations and strengthened strategic alignment across all Core-Mark divisions.

• A dedicated mentor, Riordan has spent more than a decade supporting colleagues through the General Mills Women’s Mentoring Circle. She was recognized twice internally in 2025 with the company’s C-Store Shout Out Award.

Danielle Sims

Former Convenience Sales Senior Account Executive Procter & Gamble

Liz Sizemore

Senior Director, Channel Strategy & Operations – Convenience Retail The Coca-Cola Co.

• Sizemore connects The CocaCola Co.’s brand, commercial and sales strategies to what ultimately appears in convenience store cold vaults across the United States. She joined the company in 2020 and has built her career within the commercial strategy and operations organization. She was promoted to her current role in 2025.

• During the past year, Sizemore led the development and rollout of a new immediate-consumption packaging strategy for sparkling beverages, including the introduction of 7.5-ounce mini cans as a single-serve offering in c-stores. She also spearheaded customer presentations, sales enablement efforts and training programs to support execution of the initiative that is designed to reach approximately 75% of the nation’s 152,000 c-stores.

• Last year, Sizemore received the Convenience Retail Growth Behaviors Award, which recognizes individuals who exemplify Coca-Cola’s leadership principles while making meaningful contributions to the success and growth of the company’s convenience retail business.

Alyssa Snyr

Senior Category Manager S. Abraham & Sons Inc.

• Sims recently left Procter & Gamble (P&G) and joined ITG Brands as director of category and customer insights. Nominated for achievements in her previous role, she drove sales, share and total distribution points (TDP) growth while expanding P&G’s independent retailer reach by more than 7,000 outlets.

• Since joining SAS as a purchasing assistant in 2016, Snyr has advanced into a leadership role overseeing a team of 10 and managing the company’s largest merchandise categories, including confection, snacks, HBC, grocery, dairy, cooler, frozen, bakery and general merchandise.

Collectively, these categories represent more than $200 million in annual sales.

• Last year, Sims enhanced distributor and retailer coverage, delivering 5.8% TDP growth across third-party sales areas for P&G. She also expanded distribution and improved execution with convenience distributors, achieved double-digit growth in key channels, optimized promotional investments to improve efficiencies, and helped strengthen both existing and new joint business plans.

• In 2025, Snyr assumed responsibility for the HBC category, where she streamlined assortments, reduced duplicate SKUs, improved margins and expanded promotional programs. She also took on additional leadership responsibilities, overseeing marketing support functions and mentoring two associate category managers who were promoted to category manager roles during the year.

• As the Feminine Care single point of contact for small-format retailers, Sims developed convenience-specific strategies for Tampax, including the reintroduction of an opening-price-point solution tailored to consumer preferences and retailer needs. Her contributions and leadership were recognized with P&G’s Home Run Award in the fourth quarter of 2025.

• Recognized for her leadership and commitment to professional development, she was selected as an internal mentor, chosen to attend the NACS Executive Education Marketing Leadership Program and invited to participate in SAS’ Women in Retail Excellence event, an honor typically reserved for vice president-level leaders and above.

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COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Taylor Snyder

HR & Recruiting Manager Rutter’s

• Since joining Rutter’s as a part-time team member in 2018, Snyder has advanced through multiple operational and human resources roles, culminating in her promotion to HR & Recruiting Manager in 2024. She now leads store talent acquisition efforts, oversees an HR/recruiting assistant, and partners closely with operations and training teams to support workforce planning, onboarding and long-term talent development.

• Over the past year, Snyder led a comprehensive recruitment strategy focused on reducing time-to-fill, improving candidate quality and strengthening leadership pipelines across store operations. By implementing structured interview guides, enhancing hiring manager training and aligning recruiting efforts with operational needs, she improved hiring efficiency and supported succession planning across the organization.

• A strong advocate for employee development, she has invested heavily in mentoring and developing her team, creating structured development plans and cross-training opportunities that strengthened HR capabilities and improved support for field operations.

Mary Sonatore

Category Manager, Tobacco & Total Nicotine Refuel Operating Co.

• Sonatore oversees the strategy, profitability and performance of Refuel’s nicotine portfolio, including cigarettes, cigars, moist smokeless tobacco, modern oral nicotine, kratom, delta and vapor. Known for her datadriven approach, she helps guide the company through evolving challenges related to competition, compliance, product innovation and market expansion.

• Among her achievements this past year, Sonatore led a comprehensive overhaul of Refuel’s competitive pricing strategy through the rollout of market-specific pricing zones, modernized the retailer’s nicotine loyalty strategy, and optimized backbar space to expand nicotine pouch assortments while creating opportunities for emerging brands. These efforts strengthened Refuel’s competitive position, enhanced customer engagement and supported growth in noncombustible nicotine categories.

• “In a year marked by intense competition and regulatory change, Mary’s leadership, innovation and cross‑functional influence have … delivered immediate results and strengthened the company’s ability to win in the years ahead,” her nominator said.

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Abby Stevens

Category Manager Constellation Brands Inc.

• Since joining Constellation Brands in 2019, Stevens has continued to support the Coastal Carolina Division of Circle K, a customer relationship she has managed since 2014 at previous employers. She serves as the lead developer for all beer planograms, acts as the retailer’s primary category advisor, and collaborates closely with suppliers and wholesalers throughout the space-planning process.

• Stevens serves as lead advisor on Circle K Coastal Carolina’s $103-million beer business and has helped Constellation Brands achieve a 25% dollar share and $26 million in sales within the division. She is responsible for data analysis, planogram development and validation for approximately 400 stores annually, and helped guide the initial placement of THC products in store planograms through the use of standalone coolers.

• Internally, Stevens is recognized for her expertise in Blue Yonder space-planning software and Cantactix MissionControl software, and serves as a go-to advisor for colleagues with questions about planograms and category space planning.

Cinnamon Thompson

National Account Sales Manager PepsiCo Inc.

• With more than nine years of experience in the c-store industry and 22 years with PepsiCo, Thompson has built a career spanning frontline sales, supply chain support, sales analytics and national account management. Currently, she leads PepsiCo’s Circle K dispense partnership, overseeing performance, innovation execution, forecasting and supply continuity across the fountain and frozen beverage categories.

• Thompson developed a best-in-class, cross-functional collaboration model with supply chain that expanded support across the convenience and gas channel while improving service metrics and innovation execution.

Her leadership helped achieve a 99% product delivery rate during the 2025 “100 Days of Summer” period. In addition, successful forecasting and execution of three frozen limited-time offers drove a 5% year-over-year sales increase and contributed to a second consecutive year of plan-beating, double-digit growth.

• A respected industry leader, Thompson was selected twice as a speaker for Circle K’s International Women’s Day events. She is also an active member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum.

COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Erika Thompson

Senior Category Manager, Beer 7-Eleven Inc.

• Thompson has built an impressive career within the convenience channel, advancing from category manager roles supporting the East and West regions to her current position as national beer buyer for 7-Eleven. She oversees beer category strategy across the U.S., helping drive growth, assortment optimization and retailer performance.

• During a year marked by evolving consumer behaviors and heightened competition, Thompson led several high-impact initiatives that strengthened distribution, improved promotional effectiveness and increased velocity for key beer brands. She also helped modernize planning processes by incorporating consumer insights, digital merchandising and real-time performance tracking into category discussions, resulting in stronger retailer collaboration and improved business results.

• Her contributions have earned significant industry recognition, including multiple awards from Heineken USA and Supplier Partner of the Year honors. Her ability to build strategic partnerships and deliver results has made her a respected leader within the convenience retail and beverage industries, her nominator said.

Amanda Torres

Brand Manager, Backwoods, Mass Market Cigars ITG Brands

• As brand manager for Backwoods, one of the fastest-growing brands in the mass market cigars and wraps categories, Torres leads brand strategy, innovation, commercialization and consumer engagement across all channels. She oversees a portfolio that includes the Backwoods cigarillo business and TrueWraps by Backwoods.

• Torres quickly made an impact by leading the FY25 and FY26 launch calendar, strengthening business planning processes and driving data-informed decision making across cross-functional teams. Her efforts supported Backwoods’ share growth and the continued expansion of TrueWraps, which reached more than 55,000 retail locations nationwide and captured more than 9% market share within two years.

• Beyond her business contributions, Torres is committed to leadership and inclusion. She was selected for Imperial Brands’ Accelerating Women in Global Leadership program and serves as chair of ITG’s Work/Life Balance Committee.

Tish Tran Esther Thompson Food Service Specialist Maplefields/R.L. Vallee Inc.

• Thompson supports all 50 store locations by leading the rollout and implementation of key foodservice initiatives.

Her work spans training, recipe setup, waste controls, audit procedures and coordination between store teams and the corporate office. She helps drive accountability, operational consistency and execution excellence.

• Over the past year, Thompson implemented enhanced inventory controls and structured ordering systems that reduced waste, improved in-stock performance and protected margins. She also successfully led the launch of multiple new food offerings, developing detailed rollout plans, operational playbooks and training programs that enabled seamless execution, strong sales results and sustained adoption across the chain.

• Her leadership and attention to detail have played an important role in advancing the company’s foodservice strategy. She was a key contributor to the team recognized as the 2026 gold medal winner for Prepared Foods Innovator of the Year in Convenience Store News’ Foodservice Innovators Awards program.

66 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Category Manager Glanbia Performance Nutrition

• Tran has become a key contributor to Glanbia Performance Nutrition’s expansion within the convenience channel, helping position brands such as OPTIMUM NUTRITION and Isopure as credible, high-growth solutions for retailers.

Her role spans consumer insights, assortment planning, merchandising strategy and retailer-specific category recommendations designed to drive growth in the performance nutrition and healthy lifestyle space.

• Over the past year, Tran led the development of customized category frameworks that helped convenience retailers better understand and integrate performance nutrition products into their assortments. By providing guidance on product selection, merchandising, space allocation and promotions, she helped expand the presence of Glanbia’s brands while demonstrating how protein, energy and hydration products can meet the growing consumer demand for functional nutrition.

• Tran is actively involved in professional development and leadership initiatives across Glanbia, supporting employee engagement and learning programs focused on developing the next generation of leaders within the organization.

COVER STORY

RISING STARS:

Rita Varano

Team Lead, Convenience Liquid I.V.

• Varano oversees Liquid I.V.’s c-store business nationwide, managing relationships with national and super regional retail accounts and the largest direct distributors across the channel. For the early part of her tenure, she singlehandedly led the company’s convenience business, establishing a strong foundation for growth before expanding the team in 2025.

• She led the convenience team to $12.6 million in revenue in 2025, delivering 63% year-over-year growth. Through a focused expansion strategy, Varano increased Liquid I.V.’s presence from 40 to 61 regional and national convenience accounts, growing distribution to 76,000 doors nationwide across key accounts and independents. She also spearheaded the brand’s rollout at Wawa, where an initial self-checkout launch drove a 186.9% volume increase and expanded distribution to all 1,100 stores — creating the company’s first regional account to exceed $1 million in annual sales.

• For three consecutive years, Varano’s impact has been recognized through Liquid I.V.’s highest performance designation.

Bobbie Vessels

Key Account Manager Talking Rain Beverage Co.

Stacey Walker Marketing Manager Sam’s Mart

• Walker oversees marketing, merchandising and pricing strategies at Sam’s Mart, ensuring that product assortments remain competitive, merchandising execution is consistent, and brand presence is optimized across the chain. She also leads category optimization efforts, vendor negotiations and strategic initiatives that directly impact the company’s financial performance.

• One of Walker’s most impactful accomplishments was leading a comprehensive backbar optimization initiative focused on protecting cigarette volume while accelerating growth in the modern oral nicotine category. Through detailed analysis, strategic assortment decisions and targeted product placement, she improved category performance, drove sustained sales growth and strengthened Sam’s Mart’s competitive position in a rapidly evolving segment.

• Looking ahead, Walker plans to leverage her background in the industry to reengage with professional platforms such as the North Carolina Petroleum & Convenience Marketers Association and the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, further strengthening her connection to these communities.

Heather Wells Senior Manager, Field Leader Development 7-Eleven Inc.

• Vessels manages and grows some of Talking Rain’s most strategic retail partnerships within the convenience channel.

Her largest account, Casey’s, represents nearly one-third of the company’s total channel goal. In her role, she leads account strategy, joint business planning, promotional execution and day-to-day retailer relationships to drive mutual growth.

• With more than 13 years of experience at 7-Eleven across two tenures, Wells leads the company’s Field Leader Development function, overseeing onboarding and capability-building programs for more than 250 field leaders annually. She is responsible for the strategy, design and delivery of leadership development initiatives that support field operations across the organization.

• Through her leadership of the Casey’s partnership, Talking Rain was nominated for Casey’s Vendor of the Year honor. Vessels also helped develop and launch Casey’s exclusive Sparkling Ice Cherry Cola flavor, creating a differentiated offering for customers while strengthening the retailer relationship. Her strategic planning and execution contributed to doubling both shelf space and sales at Casey’s within a single year.

• Over the past year, she led the continued execution and optimization of large-scale integration training tied to 7-Eleven’s expanding store network. She oversaw learning deployment across thousands of locations, helping drive adoption of key operating technologies, and improving system proficiency and operational alignment among field teams.

• Vessels was recognized with Talking Rain’s Key Account Manager of the Quarter Award for her outstanding performance. She is also an active member of the company’s Women in the Rain employee resource group.

68 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

• Wells was recognized as 7-Eleven’s Learning Leader of the Year in 2025 and earned a Brandon Hall Group Silver Award for Best Learning Program Supporting a Change Transformation Business Strategy. In addition, she serves on the Chief Operating Officer Leadership Board and actively participates in 7-Eleven’s Network of Executive Women and 7Pride employee resource groups.

Whitney Winstead

Lea Wood

Director, National Sales The Coca-Cola Co.

• Winstead manages CocaCola North America’s relationships with Pilot and RaceTrac/Raceway, overseeing a portfolio representing approximately $140 million in annual system revenue and a $7 million marketing and promotions budget. She is responsible for aligning Coca-Cola, independent bottlers and national retailers around shared growth strategies.

• She led the execution and expansion of an exclusive pizza and beverage promotion with RaceTrac, pairing the retailer’s pizza offering with a 20-ounce Coca-Cola beverage. Supported by integrated marketing and field execution, the three-month program generated more than 520,000 redemptions, drove more than 8% volume growth and 13% revenue growth for the beverage category, and contributed approximately $2 million in year-over-year revenue growth for the total direct-store-delivery business supporting the account.

• Under Winstead’s leadership, The Coca-Cola Co. was recognized as RaceTrac’s Partner of the Year.

She also received Coca-Cola’s Convenience Channel Growth Behaviors Award through the Culture Crew program for her leadership and mentorship.

Manager of Field Asset Protection RaceTrac Inc.

• A 16-year RaceTrac veteran, Wood leads a team of four asset protection business partners responsible for supporting regional asset protection programs across the company’s footprint.

She focuses on driving profitability and shrink reduction while coaching field leaders on operational excellence and risk mitigation.

• Wood played a key role in RaceTrac’s shrink reduction efforts, developing training content for store team members and leading investigations that helped recover significant funds for the organization. In 2025 alone, she conducted more than 100 employee theft investigations and contributed to meaningful year-over-year shrink improvements across the regions she supports.

• Recognized with RaceTrac’s 15-Year Service Award in 2025, Wood continues to invest in her professional development, earning Level I and II advanced interviewing certifications through Wicklander-Zulawski.

She is an active participant in LEAD, RaceTrac’s business resource group focused on women’s empowerment and professional growth.

Danielle Yeatman

Jenny Wong

Supply Chain Lead Casey’s General Stores Inc.

• Within Casey’s Procurement organization, Wong leads complex cross-functional initiatives focused on improving supply chain execution, data quality and operational scalability. Her work helps streamline processes and reduces manual workarounds, while emphasizing governance, standardization and clear stakeholder communication to support Casey’s growing store network and drive sustainable, scalable outcomes.

• She played a pivotal role in launching Casey’s thirdparty distribution model and advancing readiness for FSMA 204 food traceability requirements. Wong coordinated across supply chain, IT, food safety, operations and external distribution partners to build a repeatable store conversion framework, enabling consistent, low-disruption transitions while minimizing operational risk. She also contributed to industry guidance for FSMA 204, reinforcing Casey’s alignment with evolving food safety and traceability standards.

• Beyond operations, Wong supports employee engagement and leadership development through Casey’s Corporate Engagement Committee, including involvement with the iWill resource group and community volunteering.

Manager, Talent & Development Core-Mark International Inc.

• Yeatman leads talent and development initiatives that support more than 11,000 associates across more than 30 operating companies throughout the United States and Canada. Her work focuses on strengthening leadership capability, talent development and organizational effectiveness while helping build a strong pipeline of future leaders across the business.

• She played a key role in advancing Core-Mark’s “Driven to Deliver” culture and performance initiative, translating strategic objectives into practical leadership tools, programs and communications used throughout the organization. She also co-led several high-impact talent initiatives, including a sales training program serving approximately 400 sales professionals, a structured succession planning process for OpCo leadership roles, and enhancements to the company’s internship program.

• Passionate about developing talent at every level, Yeatman’s work has helped strengthen leadership readiness, support career growth and expand opportunities for the next generation of convenience industry professionals, her nominator said.

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COVER STORY

MENTORS Elia Ruth Abonasser COCO Business Consultant Chevron U.S.A. Inc.

• Abonasser, a 27-year Chevron veteran, is responsible for driving operational excellence, financial performance and people development across a diverse portfolio of companyowned, company-operated retail locations. She has direct accountability for 17 retail stations and indirect leadership influence over roughly 160 frontline employees, making her impact both broad and deeply embedded in daily operations.

Natasha Beydoun Retail Team Manager PMI U.S.

• In her role, Beydoun drives field execution, operational excellence and leadership development across a large and strategically important geography. She leads, coaches and develops a team of 10 territory sales managers, and serves as the critical link between East Region strategic priorities and execution in the marketplace.

• According to her nominator, where Abonasser truly shines is in developing people through formal and informal mentoring. Throughout her career, she has developed countless cashiers into assistant managers, assistant managers into station managers, and station managers into Chevron support organization positions.

• Her influence is also felt through her service as operations manager on the board of Professional Women Rising (PWR). She oversees the execution, structure and consistency of PWR’s 12-month mentorship program. Beydoun’s work impacts not only current program participants, but also the company’s broader talent pipeline, contributing directly to increased representation of women in leadership roles.

• She also leads the company’s Southern California mentorship program, which is designed to support career growth and leadership readiness. She is intentional about sharing business knowledge, exposing mentees to diverse perspectives, and making a genuine investment in their individual growth.

• Beydoun demonstrates her commitment to advancing women through one-on-one mentorship as well.

She provided structured coaching in career planning, leadership capability and promotion readiness to two PWR participants, both of whom achieved promotions as a direct outcome of her guidance and advocacy.

Nancy Adams

District Training Manager Murphy USA Inc./QuickChek

• Adams, who began her career at Murphy USA as a store manager in 2001, leads and develops 14 store managers and their teams, impacting dozens of frontline leaders and employees across her district. Over the past year, she directly trained and developed three emerging leaders, preparing them for expanded responsibilities.

• “Call me — I will help in any way that I can” is Adams’ personal mentoring philosophy, according to her nominator, and this accessibility has made her a trusted advisor far beyond her direct reports. She’s been recognized multiple times through Circle of Stars, a performance recognition program for store and district managers.

• Adams hosts monthly development calls for assistant store managers and shift leaders to provide coaching and prepare the next generation of store managers.

She’s also a trusted partner to the company’s Learning & Development Team, frequently providing field insights due to her experience in every store-level role.

70 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Casie Maggiacomo Senior Director, Warabeya & Retail Experience 7-Eleven Inc.

• Maggiacomo leads strategic transformation initiatives within 7-Eleven’s fresh food platform, with primary responsibility for improving the performance, scalability and long-term viability of the Warabeya commissary program across Texas and Virginia.

• In addition to her core business responsibilities, she plays an active role in developing future leaders and strengthening leadership capability across the organization. She mentors multiple emerging leaders, providing guidance and support as they build the skills and confidence needed to take on broader responsibilities.

• Maggiacomo also codesigned and leads a high-potential senior manager leadership development program known as the Merchandising Leadership Academy, and she is a frequent guest speaker for the company’s Launch leadership program, where she presents multiple times throughout the year on career development, leadership growth and navigating career progression within the organization.

Karli Payne

Operations Supervisor RaceTrac Inc.

• Payne was recently promoted from a field HR business partner role to an operations supervisor position. Her sphere of influence spans frontline team members through senior regional leadership. Having worked her way up from part-time store associate, she brings a unique perspective that shapes how she coaches, advises and shows up for the field leaders she supports — ensuring she leaves things better than she found them.

Michelle Ramirez

Senior Account Manager Altria Group Distribution Co.

• Ramirez is responsible for advancing Altria’s partnership with bp, but her influence extends well beyond her direct customer responsibilities. She is a key connector across internal teams, partnering with sales leadership, brand, trade marketing and supply chain to align priorities, accelerate execution, and ensure resources are deployed effectively to deliver both customer and enterprise strategies.

• One of her most significant contributions of the past year was creating “Develop Minute,” a micro-training program that gives leaders in the field weekly, actionable tips to make confident decisions, develop their teams and drive results. It has since spread organically.

• Between January 2025 and the end of January 2026, Ramirez supported 16 mentees in securing new opportunities. She dedicated significant time and energy to making her mentees aware of relevant roles, facilitating connections with hiring managers and leadership, providing resume and interview coaching, and advocating directly on their behalf through thoughtful recommendation and advocacy notes.

• According to her nominator, Payne’s commitment to developing people is best illustrated through the leaders she has personally shaped. One recruiter she coached and invested in was recently promoted to a specialist role, and the person positioned to backfill that recruiter is also someone Payne mentored.

• She’s also an active leader within Altria’s Sí! Hispanic Employee Resource Group, where she focuses on building pathways for Hispanic talent. She regularly shares perspectives and feedback with leaders across the enterprise, helping shape conversations around talent development, inclusion, engagement and employee growth.

COVER STORY

MENTORS:

Teresa Reynolds

Rachel Pearson

Director of Purchasing & Category Management Grocery Supply Co.

Director of Operations, Regional Ops RaceTrac Inc.

• Pearson’s influence spans 90 stores, nine operations supervisors, approximately 90 general managers, and the hundreds of team members they lead every day. Having worked in multiple markets over her 25-plus years with RaceTrac, she is also a trusted resource for leaders across the organization who reach out to her for advice, mentorship and support in navigating complex situations.

• She invests heavily in building leadership capability.

Pearson conducts monthly mentorship sessions with her operations supervisors, both individually and as a group, to focus on leadership development, culture-building and strategic thinking. She also facilitates quarterly training and team-building sessions for her general managers, with content focused on best-practice sharing and practical leadership skills.

• “Rachel has a real gift for seeing potential in people, sometimes before they see it in themselves. She takes the time to coach, guide and challenge her team in ways that build both confidence and capability,” said Executive Director of Operations Courtney Benjamin.

• Reynolds directs all aspects of purchasing and category management for Grocery Supply Co. (GSC). She oversees a department of 20, many of whom are new to the industry. In 2025, she played a critical role in the full centralization of purchasing at GSC, which included restructuring the purchasing department and implementing a centralized operating model that strengthened consistency, efficiency and accountability.

• Following the restructuring, GSC hired four new category managers, none of whom had prior experience in the convenience industry. Under Reynolds’ leadership, the purchasing team worked together to mentor and develop the new hires, quickly building their knowledge and confidence. This investment in people contributed to outstanding financial and operational results in 2025, including a 50.4% reduction in out-of-stocks.

• “Teresa’s ability to teach, coach and inspire has been instrumental in attracting and retaining key talent essential to the long-term success of GSC, its manufacturer partners and its retail customers,” her nominator said.

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Sarah Roark

Amy Shoemaker

Director of Managed Services PDI Technologies

• For 15 years, Roark has shaped how convenience retailers manage financial operations, streamline reconciliation processes, and integrate automation into daily workflows. At the same time, she has invested deeply in developing people — coaching emerging leaders, strengthening teams, and modeling a leadership style rooted in accountability, empathy and service.

• She is considered one of PDI’s most influential mentors. Roark coaches new leaders across departments, helping them balance customer demands, internal expectations and high-volume workloads. With a focus on making life easier for others, she’s known for her rare ability to understand people’s challenges and remove barriers for them.

• As one colleague noted, “Sarah leads with intention and care, investing in people, not titles. She mentors by listening first, asking thoughtful, direct questions, and helping others solve real challenges with confidence. By creating a safe space to learn and even make mistakes, she builds trust, accountability and future leaders.”

District Manager Rutter's

• During her 17-year career with Rutter's, Shoemaker has advanced through several key roles, including team member, store support, store manager and fill-in district manager.

She officially stepped into a district manager role this January. Her career progression reflects not only her operational expertise, but also her commitment to building strong leadership pipelines, according to her nominator.

• Prior to her promotion, Shoemaker successfully developed and promoted an assistant store manager to a store manager position, ensuring continuity of leadership and operational stability. In addition, she served as a training manager for multiple store managers, equipping them with the operational knowledge, financial acumen and leadership confidence necessary to succeed.

• Now as a district manager, Shoemaker thoughtfully balances data-driven decision-making and in-person coaching. She analyzes key performance metrics to identify growth opportunities, while spending significant time in the stores mentoring managers, strengthening leadership capability, and reinforcing a culture of accountability and customer-first service.

Elizabeth Salceda

Sam Simon

Director of Operations Family Express Corp.

Key Account Manager PMI U.S.

• Salceda’s responsibilities extend beyond operational execution. She serves as a key leader at Family Express, where she plays a central role in developing people, strengthening store operations, and reinforcing the company’s culture across the organization. She works closely with store leaders and frontline associates, and her sphere of influence spans numerous stores and departments.

• In early 2026, Simon transitioned from being a retail team member to her current role, broadening her impact from district-level leadership to strategic customer-level planning.

She now has responsibility for developing customer sales plans, aligning programs with field capabilities, and supporting cross-functional initiatives that shape performance across multiple districts and retailer partners.

• Many credit her with helping them take the next step in their careers. She is known for identifying potential in others early and investing the time required to help them succeed. Through one-on-one coaching, leadership guidance and consistent encouragement, Salceda has mentored numerous associates who have progressed into management positions, strengthening Family Express’ leadership pipeline.

• She’s distinguished herself as a mentor and talent accelerator. In 2024-2025, she mentored four women through the company’s Professional Women Rising program, and three of them earned promotions. She also supported an additional sales manager outside of PWR who advanced during this time. Beyond formal programs, Simon consistently provides guidance and support to peers across the business.

• “Whether assisting a new manager navigating their first leadership challenges or guiding an associate considering a career path within the company, Liz approaches every opportunity with patience, professionalism and a genuine desire to see others grow,” said President of Operations Alex Olympidis.

• Last year, she was honored with the prestigious PMI DNA Value Award — “Game Changer” for leading and developing a high-performing team of 10 territory sales managers. Her leadership created a high-trust, high-motivation environment where individuals grew, execution improved, and team culture flourished.

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COVER STORY

MENTORS:

Tiffany Spruielle

Lauren Wright

Store A Manager, Coastal Carolina Business Unit Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

• Beginning her career as a customer service representative, Spruielle has worked her way up through the organization, demonstrating the ability to succeed in a wide range of operating environments, from rural locations to her current role leading a high-profile NTI store.

• She serves as a mentor to store managers in training across the Coastal Carolina Business Unit, regularly hosting them at her store to shadow her leadership in action.

While providing real-world guidance on everything from operational execution and labor management to team development and customer experience, she also invests in building confidence, leadership capability and longterm success in the next generation of leaders.

• Spruielle consistently delivers best-in-class performance, with her store achieving top sales results year over year. She’s been recognized as a top-performing leader through her selection into the Store Manager Development Program, positioning her for advancement into a future district manager role.

Director, Program Management Office, Enterprise Data & Analytics Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc./Circle K

• Wright’s primary responsibilities center on translating strategic priorities into effective execution.

She plays a key role in enabling teams to operate with greater discipline and alignment, reducing ambiguity and allowing them to focus on delivering impactful business outcomes. Her influence spans multiple business units and enterprise-level initiatives.

• In her role, she not only drives large-scale global initiatives, but also invests deeply in the growth and success of those around her. Her mentorship is evident in how she leads her organization. Wright focuses on helping individuals grow in their roles while also fostering stronger collaboration, alignment and accountability across teams.

Mentorship is embedded into everyday work, not treated as a separate activity.

• Wright also plays an active role in the ACT Women’s Council and contributes to broader business resource groups. Through this involvement, she supports the growth and visibility of others across the organization, helping foster a more inclusive and connected culture. CSN

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GUIDE TO THE BACKBAR

STRIKING THE RIGHT BACKBAR BALANCE

Industry insiders weigh in on how c-store retailers should allocate their efforts between established products and new innovations coming onto the market

By Renée M. Covino.

THANKS TO RAPIDLY SHIFTING regulatory and consumer

landscapes, the convenience store backbar is constantly changing and reshaping, leaving retailers wondering what the right balance is between a traditional vs. innovative nicotine portfolio mix.

For guidance, Convenience Store News recently caught up with several industry insiders from varying sides of the business: Cadent Consulting Group’s Richard Bode, CEO and managing partner, and Jack Costello, business analyst; Josh Harrison, executive vice president of sales for Swisher International; and Jessica Starnes, tobacco category manager at Weigel’s Stores Inc., operator of 80-plus convenience stores in Tennessee.

CSN: Talk about the recent backbar evolution and how

to best balance traditional brands/legacy combustibles with validated alternatives like modern oral.

STARNES: For us specifically, the backbar space has grown.

We went from 10-12 feet of backbar space to 15 feet as our norm, and all new stores being 21-foot backbars. The additional space is needed for innovation. Reutilizing the space we already had was not optimal due to the fact that even though traditional tobacco is in decline, it is still the primary driver of the backbar. A must-have is the nicotine pouch subcategory. Zyn is now the No. 2 brand on the backbar for us, passing Copenhagen last summer.

I do view traditional tobacco and innovation — specifically, nicotine pouches as we do not participate in illicit vapor — both important to the mix. Traditional tobacco still drives our overall backbar in units, trips and dollars. However, the polyuser is a very valid segment between both the traditional tobacco and innovation customer. We have seen a shift in combustible trading and have reacted to the shift with an aggressive strategy. We are seeing good results.

COSTELLO: The clearest path forward is a backbar built

76 Guide to the Backbar C S N E W S . c o m

around what the data is actually saying: protect cigarette volume and meet the consumer where they are on value; invest aggressively in nicotine pouches while the growth window is open; and maintain a disciplined, compliance-first presence in vaping rather than abandoning the segment. Maintaining allocation of smokeless is also important given its dollar share. Cigars, papers and other tobacco products are nice to have and likely worth some investment, but are not critically driving either sales or growth in the category.

HARRISON: The backbar has evolved quickly,

especially in the last couple of years. As cigarette volumes continue to decline, they’ve shifted from being the primary traffic driver to a category requiring refined assortments and disciplined space allocation. Retailers should focus on high-velocity cigarette SKUs while reducing slower-moving duplication. Core

“In 2026, the most effective backbar strategy isn’t an either/ or decision, it’s about disciplined balance across core, growth and emerging segments.”

— Josh Harrison, Swisher International

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GUIDE TO THE BACKBAR

categories like large cigars and moist smokeless remain must-haves given their consistent traffic, incrementality and margin contribution. The biggest shift is the growth of modern oral nicotine, now a critical must-stock segment driving new adult consumers and incremental sales.

Bottom line: prioritize top-performers, protect your core, and make room for emerging growth — while trimming niceto-have items that dilute productivity.

In 2026, the most effective backbar strategy isn’t an either/or decision, it’s about disciplined balance across core, growth and emerging segments. Legacy combustibles remain the foundation, driving the majority of traffic and revenue, but they need to be managed for productivity with assortments and focused space allocation.

At the same time, modern oral nicotine has validated itself as a growth engine and should continue to earn incremental space. Emerging and experimental formats do have a role, but they need to be monitored. New products should earn their way onto the backbar through proven adult consumer adoption. Protect your core, scale what’s proven, and stay disciplined with new products to ensure every inch of space is working harder.

BODE: Balancing the backbar in 2026 is

less about choosing between legacy and innovation, and more about understanding what role each format plays and allocating accordingly. Cigarettes are still the backbar’s foundation, generating nearly $58 billion in total industry sales in

“That next format is coming, and the operators who are willing to test and learn about experimental forms will be better positioned to capture it in its peak growth stages.”

— Richard Bode, Cadent Consulting Group

78 Guide to the Backbar C S N E W S . c o m

2025, which nearly doubles the $24.39 billion produced by all of OTP combined. The best evaluation of cigarettes is to proactively manage the decline and meet the cigarette shopper where they are. The cigarette consumer is still prevalent, but they're trending toward trading down at shelf.

Nicotine pouches/smokeless alternatives is where the growth lives. Staying close to regulatory developments in this segment is critical. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization of Zyn established a credibility benchmark for the category, and future decisions will continue to shape how the modern consumer engages. This is where backbar growth lives right now, and operators should be allocating space and investment accordingly.

Experimental formats deserve a place in the mix, not as a major player but as a deliberately small bet. Pouches were an afterthought five years ago, vaping was largely unknown years before that, and both became revenue driving in ways that would have been difficult to project at the time. That next format is coming, and the operators who are willing to test and learn about experimental forms will be better positioned to capture it in its peak growth stages. Caffeine pouches are the most visible current example, with a familiar format, overlapping usage occasion and a consumer curiosity that is real.

CSN: Compare and contrast the backbar considerations of an

independent operator vs. those of a large chain. What are the strategic advantages and challenges for each?

HARRISON: Both independents and large chains share the same

goal — maximizing sales, profit and adult consumer relevance — but they approach it differently. Independents have an advantage in agility and local insight, allowing them to quickly adjust assortments and test new products. Their challenge is scale: limited labor, category expertise and resources for resets and planograms. Chains benefit from data, dedicated category teams, and consistent execution through structured planograms and reset cycles. Their challenge is balancing national strategy with local market needs. Across both, success comes down to disciplined space allocation, regular assortment reviews and relevant merchandising.

BODE: For independent operators, their greatest asset is

community familiarity. A single-store operator knows their shopper, their neighborhood and their local demand signals in a way that chain stores cannot replicate. That knowledge is especially valuable in a category where local demographics can drive purchase behavior greatly. On the contrary, the biggest liability for independent operators is access to data. Without regular access to syndicated data sources, assortment decisions lean heavily on instinct and supplier sell stories, which is an increasingly risky way to navigate a category changing this quickly.

On the other hand, chains have the data advantage, with granular point-of-sale across hundreds of locations, dedicated category management, and the buying leverage to act on what they see. Their challenge is over-standardization. In a category with as much demographic variation as nicotine, a national planogram meant to average performance across different locations leaves growth on the table and potentially leads to revenue losses. Within this fragmented market, chain

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stores that are able to adjust allocations to meet the needs of their local consumers will be better positioned to outperform their competition.

COSTELLO: A challenge both independents

and chain stores face is high turnover.

Store associate turnover running at 140% annually in 2025 makes consistent product knowledge on a fast-evolving backbar difficult to maintain. In a category with loyal consumers who will walk out rather than substitute, that knowledge gap has a measurable cost.

CSN: Describe how you foresee the backbar

changing in the next two to five years.

STARNES: I think the backbar will continue

to expand in nicotine pouches, and I anticipate that when legislation is final around illicit vapor, we will see the backbar need to expand space in the vapor category. I am very excited about the heat-not-burn segment as well. What I do not see happening in the next five years is combustibles going away.

HARRISON: The nicotine backbar will

continue evolving quickly, with a shift

toward a more balanced and diversified mix. Over the next two years, retailers will reallocate space away from declining combustibles toward high-growth segments like modern oral nicotine, while improving shopability and merchandising across the backbar. Over five years, the set will be less combustiblecentric and more portfolio-driven — retaining core traffic drivers, but with tighter assortments and increased space for validated alternatives.

BODE: The nicotine category has proven to be an area of

constant change over the years. Deducing from what we see in the data, the backbar two years from now will likely look similar to today’s. The difference will lie in the shift from the weight each product type holds. Cigarettes will still anchor the backbar by dollar sales, but the assortment will continue consolidating around value tiers as premium tiers decline and value grows.

Smokeless alternatives will need more space given the recent growth of nicotine pouches. Vaping has begun to — and will continue to — stabilize around a smaller, regulatory compliant set of SKUs, but is far from disappearing entirely. Traditional smokeless and cigars will continue to serve loyal, habitual consumer bases. These products don't necessarily require growth investment, but they still warrant shelf presence.

COSTELLO: The five-year picture lends itself to many more

unknowns and a sharper trajectory for shifting preferences.

Nicotine pouches are trending to become the category's second pillar alongside cigarettes. Given manufacturer investment, regulatory headwinds facing combustibles and a rapid consumer adoption curve, smokeless alternatives are poised to hold their place in the backbar far into the future.

Heated tobacco products remain a credible wild card, having performed well in the past. They are worth watching closely as FDA authorization progresses. The experimental tier likely becomes more important. Whatever the next format is, it is likely already in development somewhere, and the operators who have built the habit of testing new products will be the ones who pick up on it early enough to see the impact.

SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2026 WASHINGTON, DC

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN WWW.NATOCENTRAL.ORG/CONFERENCE

The backbar that wins over the next five years carries value-tiered cigarettes, deep modern smokeless alternative coverage, a compliant vaping presence, legacy smokeless and cigar representation, and a small but deliberate experimental allocation. It is not a complicated framework, but it is constantly changing. Operators who execute changes proactively and consistently will win out in the long-haul with the nicotine consumer. CSN

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GUIDE TO THE BACKBAR

LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD

Reflecting on NATO’s 25th anniversary and the evolution of the tobacco business

By David Spross, NATO TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, cigarettes dominated

the backbar, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation of tobacco products did not exist, and few could have predicted today's diverse nicotine marketplace. As the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) marks its 25th anniversary, the milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on how dramatically both the industry and its regulatory environment have evolved.

Celebrating 25 years provides a time to reflect on where the industry has been and also plan for the future. When NATO was formed in 2001, the backbar looked very different than it does today. At that time, the adult tobacco consumer was primarily purchasing cigarettes, with a few offerings behind the counter of smokeless tobacco and cigars.

From a regulatory perspective, there was no FDA regulation of tobacco products, and the primary issues were excise taxes and public place smoking bans. At that time, the concept of tobacco harm reduction was in its early days, led by the science of smokeless tobacco which established that moist snuff was a less risky alternative to combustible cigarettes.

Over the past two decades, manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to expand the range of potentially less risky alternatives to cigarettes, including vapor products, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products. While no tobacco

Celebrating 25 years provides a time to reflect on where the industry has been and also plan for the future.

82 Guide to the Backbar C S N E W S . c o m

product is without risk, growing scientific evidence regarding the relative risk of these products has strengthened NATO's advocacy for science-based regulation.

As innovation accelerated, regulation expanded as well with the onset of FDA regulation of tobacco products in 2009, and with state and local governments considering onerous restrictions such as flavor bans and licensing restrictions. Meanwhile, state governments and then the federal government redefined “adult” to mean those aged 21 and over — and in some localities, even older.

Throughout the past 25 years, NATO has kept and enhanced its mission of emphasizing responsible retailing, legal adult consumer access, and the preservation of traditional tobacco products.

As NATO celebrates its silver anniversary, it also looks toward an exciting future.

The tobacco and nicotine product portfolio continues to innovate, and adult nicotine consumers have migrated away from combustible cigarettes, using less risky products.

There has been regulatory progress as well.

Through FDA's Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process, several vapor products, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products have received marketing authorization after the agency concluded they were "appropriate for the protection of the public health." For the future, the FDA has an opportunity to review applications faster and to authorize more products to accelerate migration to less risky products.

To celebrate this evolution and to set the regulatory focus for the future, NATO will be hosting a conference in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 29-30. This milestone event will bring together retailers, manufacturers and distributors from across the country for high-impact policy insights, face-to-face connection with regulators, and education tailored to today’s regulatory landscape. To register for the event, please go to the NATO Conference website: natocentral.org/conference.

David Spross is executive director of the National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO), a national retail trade association that represents more than 66,000 stores throughout the country.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Convenience Store News.

FEATURE

A Bumpy Ride

With few exceptions, the first half of 2026 brought challenges across most product categories

By Angela Hanson

2026 MIDYEAR REPORT CARD ONE YEAR AGO, the convenience store industry was

facing mixed results at the midyear point and considering whether to view them through a glass-half-full or glasshalf-empty perspective. Halfway into 2026, the picture is clearer and it’s decidedly glass-half-empty.

While full-year 2025 sales ticked up for some product categories, c-store customers are once again pulling back their spending or trading down for lower-priced alternatives. As a result, the first half of this year has been a bumpy ride with most categories across the store experiencing both dollar sales and unit volume going negative from January through June.

A significant factor behind this shift is what’s happening at the fuel pump. While crude oil prices have come down from their high point at the start of the conflict with Iran in the spring, they remain significantly higher than they were a year ago. Consequently, motorists are having to take more out of their wallets to fill up their vehicles, and rising shipping costs are exerting upward pressure on products and raw materials across the globe.

The exclusive Convenience Store News 2026 Midyear Report Card, compiled in partnership with NielsenIQ, looks

at dollar sales and unit volume metrics for January through June 2026 to evaluate which c-store categories are gaining vs. losing amidst today’s challenges.

The State of Cigarettes

Convenience store industry sales of cigarettes fell again in 2025, but the rate of decline slowed, with dollar sales decreasing 1.8%. Unit volume saw a steeper decline, falling 6.9%, but this still marked the second smallest drop in the last five years.

The first half of 2026 saw little change, with cigarette dollar sales falling 2.2% and unit volume declining 6.9%. However, two out of the category’s three segments had a strong start to the year. Economy/value cigarettes were up in both dollar sales (8.4%) and unit volume (3.1%), as were mid-level cigarettes, up 3.9% in dollars and 2.7% in volume.

Premium/super-premium cigarettes was the outlier. Dollar sales in this segment declined 4.2% and unit volume fell

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FEATURE

10.5% — a clear indication that adult consumers are tightening their belts when it comes to purchasing cigarettes.

The State of OTP

Other tobacco products (OTP) had a better year than cigarettes in 2025, but still posted mixed results. Overall, dollar sales increased 3.8%, while unit volume decreased 0.5% — an improvement over two previous years of bigger volume declines.

Category performance slipped during the first half of 2026. OTP dollar sales held steady, but unit volume declined 3.5%.

Cigars, smokeless and other tobacco/nicotine products saw both dollars and units decline, and vaping products posted the biggest losses in both.

CIGARETTES 2026 FIRST HALF

DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Cigarettes

-2.2%

Economy/value

8.4%

-6.9% 3.1%

Mid-level

3.9%

2.7%

Premium/super premium

-4.2%

-10.5%

OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total OTP

0.0%

Cigars

-1.7%

-3.5% -7.2%

Other tobacco/nicotine products

-3.8%

-9.9%

Papers

10.4%

5.7%

Papers, pipe/cigarette tobacco and smokeless tobacco alternatives turned in better performances. These segments saw both dollars and units grow during the first half of this year, with smokeless tobacco alternatives posting the biggest increases in both metrics.

Pipe/cigarette tobacco

5.7%

34.2%

Smokeless

-5.5%

-11.9%

Smokeless tobacco alternatives

22.6%

16.8%

Vaping products

-12.1%

-18.7%

The State of Packaged Beverages

PACKAGED BEVERAGES

The packaged beverages category delivered an improved performance in 2025, with dollar sales up 2.9% and unit volume declining just 0.9%. Results began to slip during the first half of 2026, though. Dollar sales growth slowed to 0.8%, while unit volume experienced a 2.1% drop.

Most segments of the cold vault saw both dollars and units decline in the first six months of this year. The energy drinks segment was the only one to post solid growth in dollar sales (up 6.3%) and unit volume (up 4.6%). Enhanced water and sports drinks increased in dollar sales, but declined in units. All other segments posted decreases across both metrics.

The State of Beer & Malt Beverages

Sales of beer and malt beverages went negative for the second year in a row in 2025, with dollar sales declining 2.5% and unit volume falling 2.4%. The first half of 2026 indicated that this year could result in a three-peat.

While some segments experienced growth, category dollar sales overall dropped 3.7% and unit volume declined 3.6%.

Alcoholic cider, alcoholic seltzer, cheladas and premium plus/super premium beer were on the positive side, with dollar and unit growth. Nonalcoholic beer saw dollar sales grow, but unit volume decrease.

Budget/value, flavored malt, imported beer, unflavored malt liquor, microbrews/craft and premium beer all posted declines in both dollars and units.

84 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Packaged Beverages

0.8%

-2.1%

Carbonated soft drinks

-2.3%

-5.9%

Energy drinks

6.3%

4.6%

Enhanced water

1.3%

-2.5%

Iced tea

-6.7%

-8.3%

Juice/juice drinks

-3.9%

-5.6%

Other packaged beverages

-6.3%

-8.2%

Ready-to-drink coffee

-7.9%

-8.0%

Sports drinks

2.0%

-2.4%

Water

-3.1%

-5.3%

BEER & MALT BEVERAGES 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Beer & Malt Beverages

-3.7%

-3.6%

Alcoholic cider

6.8%

6.3%

Alcoholic seltzer

0.3%

1.1%

Budget/value

-4.3%

-6.0%

Cheladas

3.5%

1.3%

Flavored malt

-5.4%

-5.0%

Imported beer

-2.8%

-1.7%

Malt liquor (unflavored)

-4.5%

-7.6%

Microbrews/craft

-2.9%

-1.4%

Nonalcoholic beer

11.2%

-27.7%

Premium beer

-7.6%

-6.2%

Premium plus/super premium

1.6%

2.6%

Source: NielsenIQ, June 2026

2026 MIDYEAR REPORT CARD

The State of Candy

The candy category saw some improvement in 2025 compared to the previous year, but remained on shaky ground. Unit volume declined 5.6% — an improvement from a steeper volume decline recorded in 2024 — while dollar sales edged up 0.9%.

CANDY

The mixed results carried through into the first half of 2026 with several candy segments posting sales growth, but none posting positive results in both dollar sales and unit volume.

Breath mints, chocolate bars/packs, gum and seasonal candy saw dollar sales increase but unit volume decline in the first six months of this year. Nonchocolate bars/packs, novelties and repackaged peg candy fell in both dollars and units. In a turnaround from one year ago when it was the only candy segment to grow in both sales and units, novelties this year experienced the biggest first-half percentage drops across both metrics.

The State of Salty Snacks

The salty snacks category fell into the negative for the second year in a row in 2025, with dollar sales down 2.4% and unit volume down 3.7%. This trend not only continued, but also accelerated through the first half of 2026 as the category’s performance slowed almost across the board. Dollar sales overall decreased 3.7%, while unit volume decreased 4.5%.

Except for mixed salty snacks, which posted 2.1% growth in dollar sales but a 1.3% decline in unit volume, all other segments were negative in both dollars and units. The other salty snacks segment experienced the largest drop, falling 9.5% in sales and 10.9% in volume.

The State of Alternative Snacks

Alternative snacks had a better 2025 than salty snacks, with dollar sales turning around and increasing 1.5% for the year. Unit volume, while an improvement from the prior year, decreased 3.1%. Unfortunately, the positive momentum didn’t carry over into the first half of 2026, as dollar sales declined 0.9% and unit volume dropped 5.4% during the period.

Only health/energy snacks stayed positive, with dollar sales up 4.9% and unit volume virtually flat at 0.1% growth. All other segments declined in both dollars and units. Category leader meat snacks experienced a 7.1% drop in volume alongside a 2.2% drop in sales.

The State of Grocery

Following a multiyear slowdown, edible grocery sales in 2025 finally fell into negative territory, with dollar sales dropping 2.2%.

2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Candy

0.5%

-7.4%

Breath mints

6.1%

-3.2%

Chocolate bars/packs

4.9%

-6.9%

Gum

3.5%

-3.1%

Nonchocolate bars/packs

-5.5%

-9.4%

Novelties

-14.2%

-16.3%

Repacked peg candy

-5.5%

-9.5%

Seasonal candy

8.6%

-3.8%

SALTY SNACKS 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Salty Snacks

-3.7%

-4.5%

Crackers

-1.3%

-6.4%

Mixed

2.1%

-1.3%

Nuts/seeds

-3.8%

-5.4%

Other salty snacks

-9.5%

-10.9%

Packaged ready-to-eat popcorn

-6.3%

-6.0%

Potato chips

-4.0%

-3.7%

Pretzels

-1.9%

-5.3%

Puffed snacks

-4.2%

-3.5%

Tortilla/corn chips

-2.5%

-2.6%

ALTERNATIVE SNACKS 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Alternative Snacks

-0.9%

-5.4%

Granola/fruit snacks

-4.5%

-7.5%

Health/energy snacks

4.9%

0.1%

Meat snacks

-2.2%

-7.1%

Other alternative snacks

-6.5%

-10.5%

EDIBLE GROCERY 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Edible Grocery

-5.8%

-8.5%

Breakfast cereal

-11.4%

-13.0%

Condiments

-8.4%

-9.9%

Other edible grocery

-5.9%

-8.8%

Packaged coffee/tea

5.5%

-2.8%

Water/beverage enhancers

7.7%

20.0%

Source: NielsenIQ, June 2026

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FEATURE

Unit volume was also in the red, down 4.4%.

The category’s descending trend continued in the first half of 2026. Dollar sales decreased 5.8% and unit volume fell 8.5%.

Water/beverage enhancers was the only segment to grow in both dollars and units, but remains the smallest segment within the category.

2026 MIDYEAR REPORT CARD

NONEDIBLE GROCERY 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Nonedible Grocery

-7.3%

Dish care

-4.1%

-5.2%

Household care

-6.9%

-11.9%

Laundry care

-5.2%

-11.0%

Other nonedible grocery

-0.3%

-4.8%

Compared to its edible counterpart, nonedible grocery sales had an even bigger slowdown in 2025, declining 3.8% in sales and 8.3% in units — the largest volume drop in the last five years.

Paper/plastic/foil products

-6.7%

-10.7%

Pet care

-9.8%

-14.7%

The category’s performance decelerated even more during the first six months of 2026 with sales falling 7.3% and unit volume hitting a double-digit decline of 12%. For all nonedible grocery segments, both sales and volume declined. Pet care saw the biggest drops in both.

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

The State of General Merchandise

Floral

8.9%

1.3%

Hardware/tools/housewares

-4.5%

-5.1%

In 2025, the general merchandise category continued to decline but at a slower rate compared to the previous year. Dollar sales were down 1.7% and unit volume was down 2.2%. This relative improvement didn’t last long, however. During the first six months of 2026, dollar sales of general merchandise decreased 4.7% and unit volume declined 6.4%.

Floral was the only segment to grow in both dollars and units. Film/photo, wearables/apparel and other general merchandise were flat to positive in dollar sales, but experienced unit volume declines.

All other segments were down in both dollar sales and unit volume.

The State of Health & Beauty Care

The health and beauty care (HBC) category was flat to negative in 2025, with dollar sales up 0.2% but unit volume down 3.3% — coming close to the previous year’s 3.1% decline. During the first half of 2026, the category shifted solidly into the negative and posted similar rates of decline for dollar sales (down 5.3%) and unit volume (down 5.1%).

Smoking cessation, one of the category’s smallest segments, was the only subcategory to have growth in both sales and units. The family planning and other HBC segments saw dollar sales growth alongside unit decline. All other segments posted both dollar sales and unit volume drops. CSN

2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total General Merchandise

-4.7%

Batteries

-5.7%

-7.4%

Film/photo

102.4%

-2.3%

-6.4%

Other general merchandise

0.5%

-14.9%

Personal protective equipment

-27.1%

-28.2%

School/office supplies

-12.5%

-6.4%

Seasonal

-4.4%

-6.6%

Smoking accessories

-3.7%

-6.5%

Telecommunications hardware

-9.5%

-15.0%

Video/audio tapes

-11.1%

-10.2%

Wearables/apparel

4.6%

-5.0%

HEALTH & BEAUTY CARE 2026 FIRST HALF DOLLAR SALES % CHANGE VS. YA

UNIT VOLUME % CHANGE VS. YA

Total Health & Beauty Care

-5.3%

-5.1%

Analgesics

-5.6%

-6.7%

Baby care

-18.3%

-19.4%

Cosmetics

-17.5%

-20.4%

Cough & cold remedies

-9.9%

-9.8%

Family planning

2.6%

-2.1%

Grooming aids

-1.2%

-1.5%

Liquid vitamins/supplements/ energy shots

-8.2%

-8.4%

Other HBC

1.0%

-6.0%

Other internal OTC medications

-1.3%

-5.1%

Personal hygiene

-1.1%

-4.8%

Skin care/lotions/external care

-7.7%

-12.8%

Smoking cessation

32.2%

35.6%

Stomach remedies

-3.2%

-5.9%

Vitamins/supplements

-5.2%

-1.6%

Source: NielsenIQ, June 2026

86 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

-12.0%

FEATURE

DELIVERING ROI: RETURN ON INSIGHT The 2026 NACS Show will focus on providing meaningful takeaways to every attendee

By Kathleen Furore WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS might stay in Vegas, but the

insights attendees take home from the 2026 NACS Show are designed to stay with them long after the show ends.

“ROI: Return on Insight” is the theme of this year’s event, taking place Oct. 6-9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Organizers are hoping to build on the record 26,000-plus attendees who gathered in Las Vegas for the 2024 NACS Show.

“The NACS Show always draws big crowds when it is in Las Vegas. The city is similar to our industry, so it’s a great fit. Both are full of energy, 24/7 and 2026 NACS SHOW fun,” said Jeff Lenard, AT A GLANCE NACS’ vice president Las Vegas Convention of media and strateCenter, Las Vegas gic communications.

CONFERENCE: “We are building out Oct. 6-9, 2026 a few Vegas-specific EXPO: activities that we hope Oct. 7-9, 2026 to announce in the nacsshow.com coming weeks. One thing we can say now: The convention center looks very different compared to 2024 when we were last there. The construction is complete, and the convention center looks fantastic!”

Convenience Store News recently caught with Lenard to find out what will differentiate this year’s show and how the event will help attendees prepare for the industry’s future.

CSN: How did you come up with the theme, and

what does it mean for attendees?

LENARD: The NACS Show is an important business meeting for our industry. Retailers use the meeting

as a key part of their strategic planning for the coming year and beyond. And as everyone in the industry is well aware, return on investment (ROI) is a critical component of business. Our job is to provide meaningful ROI to every attendee via the overall insights gained. You only need one idea to transform your business. Whether it’s a new product, a new category, a new piece of equipment, a new partner or a new way of thinking about your store, you can find it at the NACS Show.

CSN: Is there anything new/exciting about the 2026

show you want to highlight?

LENARD: The most important thing we showcase at the NACS Show every year is a glimpse into the future.

Retailers want to see what’s next — whether trends and new products for their stores or in finding new solutions to better serve ever-evolving customer needs.

The basic structure of the NACS Show stays the same every year: A world-class expo, 50-plus education sessions, high-level general session presentations, and networking events. What differs every year is how new ideas are presented within this structure. The content developed for the education sessions is developed by retailers for retailers, so expect sessions that address the latest pressing needs and interests.

One other addition worth emphasizing: The Top Women in Convenience (TWIC) programs developed by Convenience Store News have been added to the official NACS Show program. The arrangement creates a TWIC-focused day and enhances the attendee experience by streamlining the scheduling and events that take place during the NACS Show.

CSN: Are there any trends that have emerged over

the past year that operators should focus on as they navigate the show?

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FEATURE

• “Ask the Expert”: A roundtable session with 10-plus subject matter experts representing different aspects of the c-store business. The session is ideal for smaller operators who wear many hats and seek out a wide range of expertise.

• Yale University’s Emma Seppala and the NACS Women’s Leadership Program will lead “Positively Energizing Leadership,” focusing on strategies to build resilience, strengthen relationships and elevate team performance in today’s demanding workplace.

• And, of course, AI will be an important topic with sessions such as “AI Hype vs.

Reality,” “Shopping for AI Without Breaking the Bank,” and “How to Build Agentic AI into Everyday Operations.”

CSN: Who are some of the keynote speakers

The annual NACS Show offers attendees a glimpse into the future.

LENARD: The big trend is the one that we see every

year: the rapid pace of change and the need to reinvent convenience. Sure, there will be plenty of hot products, AI solutions and a focus on harnessing social media for communicating to customers, but it will always come down to finding ways to enhance the customer experience. Consumers want value, whether that means price or the overall experience, and they want to feel valued by the businesses they visit. Get those two right and you’ll probably be successful.

CSN: How many exhibitors will be showcasing product

at this year’s show? And how many new exhibitors will be on hand?

LENARD: We will once again have more than 1,100 exhibitors in our 430,000-square-foot expo. To put that size in perspective, it’s the equivalent of more than 100 fairly large c-stores. There also will be several curated areas showcasing new products. The Cool New Products Preview Room will provide extended access to view many of the new products in our channel. The Convenience Catalyst Showcase will highlight new and emerging products from suppliers not exhibiting this year. And the New Exhibitor Area will feature about 170 companies new to the industry. This gives retailers a great chance to see new products and ideas that they might not normally find in our channel.

CSN: What are some education sessions attendees can

look forward to?

LENARD: Education sessions are determined by the NACS Convention Content Committee, made up of retailers and suppliers, who use previous NACS Show surveys, retailer outreach, the top industry media stories of the year and speaker interest forms to develop topics and sessions.

We are still building out the entire slate of 53 sessions, but here are a few that stand out:

88 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

and what topics will they be covering?

LENARD: We will have three days of general sessions that will show both high-level speakers and key industry insights. See how that word “insights” keeps coming up? Every year, we kick off the event with a dynamic keynote speaker, and we have another one this year: Lindsay Shookus, who was a producer at Saturday Night Live for 20 years.

Lindsay will share her experiences managing beloved SNL personalities and celebrity guests while navigating the pressure cooker of producing live TV, focusing on how to build relationships and trust in a fast-paced environment. Expect a few fun tidbits about favorite (and least favorite) guests.

We also are excited about the slate of Ideas 2 Go videos that we are developing to debut at the NACS Show. There will be great takeaways from retailers of all sizes, from one store to companies in the top 50 by store count. We have other speakers we will announce shortly.

CSN: Any advice on how attendees can make

the most of the show? What do you want them to take away from this year’s event?

LENARD: We always joke about wearing comfortable shoes, but wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot to see and do. Besides that, have a plan. What do you most want to accomplish at your stores and for your business? Focus on addressing those areas, but also leave enough time to find those unexpected awesome products and ideas.

Also, make it a team event. Bring other members of your team to find ideas. We hear from a lot of retailers about how the value of the NACS Show is greatly expanded by having multiple team members see and learn about how to find the future, and then bring it to their stores. CSN

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HOT PRODUCTS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Gourmet Pet Treats

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HOT PRODUCTS

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Mints

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AUGUST

2026

Convenience Store News

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HOT PRODUCTS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Leak and Spill Solutions

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94 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

HOT PRODUCTS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Car Wash Services

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2026

Convenience Store News

95

HOT PRODUCTS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

96 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

POS/Equipment/Supplies

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C-store Signs/Services

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Gas Pump Frames

GAS PUMP FRAMES Sell more in your store!™ Eye level mini ads at pump to entice gas pumpers and passengers in the cars to buy in your stores. Easily changeable 5 x 7 and 81/2 x 11 size ads. gaspumpframes.com

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AUGUST

2026

Convenience Store News

97

CLASSIFIEDS

Credit Card Processing / Merchant Services

98 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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AUGUST

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Convenience Store News

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CLASSIFIEDS

Services

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Qualified guidance from experienced petro-pros 100 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

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Credit Card Processing / Merchant Services

AUGUST

2026

Convenience Store News

101

CLASSIFIEDS

Sunglasses

102 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

CLASSIFIEDS

ATMs/POS/Equipment/Credit Card Processing

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Convenience Store News

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#1 POS FOR C STORES

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GRAFFCO.COM 1-800-443-1219 | sales@graffco.com 5973 433rd St, Harris, MN 55032 FlexPay 6 upgrade kits may require coordination with an authorized distributor for programming, activation, and compliance. Customers may work directly with their distributor or request assistance connecting through us.

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2026

Convenience Store News

105

STORE SPOTLIGHT

A Roadside Stop Dolly Style WHEN TENNESSEAN TRAVEL STOP decided to rebrand and

revitalize its Cornersville, Tenn., location, it drew inspiration from someone known worldwide for her Tennessee spirit, signature warmth and huge heart for helping others: the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton.

The first-ever Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop recently celebrated its grand opening with a surprise appearance from Dolly herself, drawing hundreds of fans to the firstof-its-kind travel center experience inspired by Parton’s lifelong connection to the open road.

“I have spent the bulk of my life on the road, and more specifically on a bus. All the years spent visiting greasy spoon cafes, truck stops and roadside pit stops have given me an understanding of what travelers desire on the road,” Parton said. “Whether you are driving a truck, a bus or a car, you want a place that feels like home and recharges you for the rest of your journey. I believe we will fill a void out there on the highways, all while bringing the heart and soul of Tennessee.”

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is the result of a partnership between Parton; her longtime manager Danny Nozell; and Gregory H. Sachs, owner of the Tennessean Travel Stop brand, which was established in 1974. The inaugural site — located at exit 22 off Interstate 65, approximately one hour south of Nashville and one hour northwest of Huntsville, Tenn. — will serve as a flagship for future locations. Additional sites across

106 Convenience Store News C S N E W S . c o m

Tennessee and beyond are expected to be announced soon.

“When I approached Dolly’s manager … and shared the idea, Dolly and her team loved it right away,” said Sachs.

“Pairing the history this landmark location has with Dolly’s spirit establishes a high benchmark for our future locations.”

Unique features of the Cornersville travel stop include: • Exclusive merchandise • Dolly’s Cup of Ambition, launched in partnership with Community Coffee • Savory favorites from DLY BBQ • A tour bus installation, inspired by the one Dolly has traveled in for years • An original mural celebrating Tennessee, commissioned exclusively for the travel stop Drawing from her childhood in the hills of East Tennessee to decades spent touring the world by bus, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is meant to make the road a little kinder and be a welcoming destination for all who travel, from professional drivers to families.

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